n.
Pronunciation: ˌ ri-t ə r- ' ne-( ˌ )l ō , ˌ ri- ˌ to ̇ r-
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural -nel · li \ - ' ne-( ˌ )l ē \ or -nellos
Etymology: Italian, diminutive of ritorno return, from ritornare to return, from ri- re- + tornare to turn, from Latin, to turn on a lathe ― more at TURN
Date: 1675
1 a : a short recurrent instrumental passage in a vocal composition b : an instrumental interlude in early opera
2 : a tutti passage in a concerto or rondo refrain