Decrepitation

Decrescendo, (de-kres-shen'do.) a. [lt.] ( Mus .) The reverse of crescendo, viz., a gradual diminishing of the sound. The executing of the D. is very difficult, whether on one or more notes. Like the crescendo, it is also frequently combined with a slight ritardando, especially in descending pa ages. It is frequently marked thus, Decrescent, (de-kres'ent,) a. [Lat. decrescens, from decresco. See DECREASE.] Growing le ; decreasing; becoming le by gradual diminution or decay.