/dee'kri shen"doh, day'-/ ; It. /de'krdde shen"daw/ , adj., adv., n., pl. decrescendos , It. decrescendi /dee/ . Music.
adj. , adv.
1. gradually reducing force or loudness; diminuendo (opposed to crescendo ).
n.
2. a gradual reduction in force or loudness.
3. a decrescendo passage.
[ 1800-10; decrescere; see DECREASE ]