a combining form with the meanings âheight,â âtip end,â âextremities of the body,â used in the formation of compound words: acrophobia. Also, especially before a vowel, acr-. Origin of acro-. < Greek, combining form of Ã¡kros topmost, highest; akin to Latin Äcer sharp.
â¢ CANTUS FIRMUS (noun) The noun CANTUS FIRMUS has 1 sense: 1. a melody used as the basis for a polyphonic composition. Familiarity information: CANTUS FIRMUS used as a noun is very rare. Dictionary entry details.
To cantus firmus a write second species in one part and fourth in the other. In other cantatas it is noted that the cantus firmus (the chorale-melody) is in the soprano, or other voice. One voice retained the cantus firmus, the others were to be set to it in canonic or imitative mode. To cantus firmus b write two above and two below in the second species.