Recitative

Rec′i‐ta‐tive″ (rĕs′ĭ‐tȧ‐tēv″), n. [It. recitativo, or F. récitatif. See Recite.] (Mus.) A species of musical recitation in which the words are delivered in a manner resembling that of ordinary declamation; also, a piece of music intended for such recitation; — opposed to melisma.