ˈn(y)ümə noun
( -s )
Etymology: Greek, wind, air, breath, spirit
1.
a.
(1) : an ethereal fiery stuff or universal spirit held by the ancient Stoics to be a cosmic principle
(2) : the world soul or the spirit of God
b. : a life-giving principle in man ; specifically : the vital soul or spirit considered as a soul between body and spirit or as a spirit superior to both body and soul
2.
[Medieval Latin, from Greek, wind, breath]
a.
(1) : a ligature in medieval music denoting a long florid phrase sung on one syllable or with no syllable
(2) : a prolonged phrase sung in such manner
b. : neume 1