I. ˈpre(ˌ)stō adverb (or adjective)
Etymology: Italian, adverb & adjective, quickly, quick; Italian presto, adverb, from Latin praesto at hand, on the spot, from prae- pre- + -sto (perhaps akin to Latin situs, past participle of sinere to lay, let, leave); Italian presto, adjective, from Latin praestus ready, from praesto — more at site
1. : in haste : quickly , immediately — used originally as a magician's command
2. : at a rapid tempo — used as a direction in music; compare prestissimo
II. noun
( -s )
: a musical passage or movement in rapid tempo