cadence

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ca·dence / ˈkādns/ • n. 1. a modulation or inflection of the voice: the measured cadences that he employed in the Senate. ∎  such a modulation in reading aloud as implied by the structure and ordering of words and phrases in written text: the dry cadences of the essay. ∎  a fall in pitch of the voice at the end of a phrase or sentence. ∎  rhythm.2. Mus. a sequence of notes or chords comprising the close of a musical phrase: the final cadences of the Prelude.DERIVATIVES: ca·denced adj.

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