crescendo
Pronunciation:
/kɹəˈʃɛn.dəʊ//kɹəˈʃɛn.doʊ/noun
Definitions
An instruction to play gradually more loudly, denoted by a long, narrow angle with its apex on the left ( < ), by musicians called a hairpin.
A gradual increase of anything, especially to a dramatic climax.
Example: Their fighting rose in a fearsome crescendo.
The climax of a gradual increase.
Example: Their arguing rose to a fearsome crescendo.
verb
Definitions
To increase in intensity; to reach or head for a crescendo.
Example: The band crescendoed and then suddenly went silent.
adverb
Definitions
Gradually increasing in force or loudness.