Neumatic
/njuːˈmætɪk/noun
Relating to neumes, the early musical signs used to notate plainchant.
Did you know?Neumes originally recorded the direction and shape of a melody rather than its exact pitches, leaving medieval chant partly dependent on memory and oral tradition.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*pneu-
“To breathe or blow; the reconstructed root behind later words for breath and spirit.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
pneûma
“Breath, wind, spirit, or a life-giving breath.”
Late Antique–Byzantine Greek
Greek
pneûma
“A breath-like musical phrase or sign in traditions of sacred chant.”
Medieval Latin
Medieval Latin
neuma
“A musical phrase or notation sign; the initial p was lost in transmission.”
Old French / Middle English
French/English
neume
“A sign used to represent a melodic phrase in chant.”
16th Century
English
neumatic
“Relating to neumes or their system of musical notation.”
Modern English
English
neumatic
“Of or relating to neumes, especially in the study or performance of plainchant.”