neume

/njuːm/

Etymology

From 15th c. Middle English newme, nevme, neme; from Middle French neume, in turn from Medieval Latin neuma or pneuma, either from Ancient Greek νεῦμα (neûma, “sign”), or else a corruption of πνεῦμα (pneûma, “breath”). In the latter case a doublet of pneuma.

Why this word is great

NEUME — [Noun] Any of a set of signs used in early musical notation or a sequence of notes to be sung to one syllable. From 15th c. Middle English newme, nevme, neme; from Middle French neume, in turn from Medieval Latin neuma or pneuma, either from Ancient Greek νεῦμα (neûma, "sign"), or else a corruption of πνεῦμα (pneûma, "breath"). In the latter case a doublet of pneuma. Unlike "pneuma" (which evokes the abstract life force) or "notation" (which encompasses all systems of musical writing), "neume" is the delicate bridge between breath and song, a fleeting gesture made visible. It is the scribe’s quill tracing a rising arc over sacred text, the choir’s collective inhale before a melisma unfurls, the way a single syllable can carry an entire sky of sound—proof that even the most transient things yearn to be remembered.

noun

Any of a set of signs used in early musical notation.
A sequence of notes to be sung to one syllable.