Fortissimos

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Characterizing dynamic musical passages that are played with utmost loudness and intensity
2. Describing sections of a composition that require the performer to execute with maximum force and vigor
3. Indicating a musical directive to create an extremely powerful and bold sound throughout the performance

Etymology: "Fortissimos" is the plural of "fortissimo," a musical marking meaning "very loud," borrowed directly from Italian. The Italian "fortissimo" is the superlative of "forte," meaning "strong" or "loud," which descends from Latin "fortis," "strong, brave." The "-issimo" ending is the Italian superlative suffix, so the word literally amounts to "strongest" or "loudest," a sense that moved from physical strength to volume in musical usage.

Synonyms: very loud, forte