tremolo

/ˌtrɛməˈloʊ/

Other forms: tremolos

In music, tremolo is the quick repetition of one or two tones, usually for emotional effect. You might use a quavering tremolo when playing sad tunes on your violin.

A tremor is an unsteady, involuntary movement, like a shaky hand or a twitch. Similarly, tremolo is an unsteady, continuous repetition in music. Tremolo can involve one tone being quickly repeated or two tones being rapidly alternated. Tremolo often refers to a form of vibrato — when a singer holds and vibrates a tone — that is not controlled very well, and is considered showy and melodramatic. The root word is the Latin tremulus, or "trembling."

Definitions of tremolo

1. noun

   (music) a tremulous effect produced by rapid repetition of a single tone or rapid alternation of two tones
   type of:

   palpitation, quiver, quivering, shakiness, shaking, trembling, vibration

   a shaky motion
2. noun

   vocal vibrato especially an excessive or poorly controlled one
   type of:

   vibrato

   (music) slight, rapid variations in pitch above or below a musical note to add warmth or a tremulous, quavering effect