maxima
English edit
Etymology edit
From Latin maxima (“greatest”). Doublet of maxim.
Noun edit
maxima (plural maximæ or maximas)
- (music) A music note equal to two (or sometimes three) longæ; in modern notation, this is typically equivalent to eight semibreves.
Usage notes edit
Due to the practices of prolation and mensuration in mediæval and Renaissance music, the precise length of a maxima varies widely, from as short as eight semibreves to as long as twenty-seven. In modern usage, where imperfect prolation is assumed in all cases, a maxima is taken to be worth eight semibreves. See the Wikipedia article on mensural notation for more information.
Synonyms edit
- larga
- duplex longa
- (American) octuple whole note
Translations edit
Translations
Noun edit
maxima
Dutch edit
Pronunciation edit
Audio (file)
Noun edit
maxima
French edit
Pronunciation edit
Adjective edit
maxima
Noun edit
maxima m
Latin edit
Adjective edit
maxima
- inflection of maximus:
Adjective edit
maximā
References edit
- maxima in Charles du Fresne du Cange’s Glossarium Mediæ et Infimæ Latinitatis (augmented edition with additions by D. P. Carpenterius, Adelungius and others, edited by Léopold Favre, 1883–1887)