neume

• neum
• pneume (archaic)

From 15th c. Middle English newme, nevme, neme; from Middle French neume, in turn from Medieval Latin neuma or pneuma, either from Ancient Greek νεῦμα (neûma, “sign”), or else a corruption of πνεῦμα (pneûma, “breath”). In the latter case a doublet of pneuma.

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /njuːm/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /n(j)um/

• Audio (General American):

  (file)

• Rhymes: -uːm

neume (plural neumes)

1. (music) Any of a set of signs used in early musical notation.
2. (music) A sequence of notes to be sung to one syllable.

neume f

1. plural of neuma