secco

[ sek-oh; Italian sek-kaw ]

noun

1. fresco secco.

adjective

1. (of notes or passages in a musical score) played and released abruptly and without resonance.

secco

/ ˈsɛkəʊ /

noun

1. wall painting done on dried plaster with tempera or pigments ground in limewater Compare fresco
2. any wall painting other than true fresco

Word History and Origins

Origin of secco¹

1850–55; < Italian: dry; sack ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of secco¹

C19: from Italian: dry, from Latin siccus

Example Sentences

In reply to your correspondent, I believe sack to be nothing but vino secco, dry wine, probably identical with sherry or madeira.

From Project Gutenberg

Unfortunately, he is too much given to sacrifice the transparency and depth of his colour by a lavish use of retouching secco.

From Project Gutenberg

"Xualla" is placed to the west of and near the headwaters of the "Secco" or Savannah River.

From Project Gutenberg

The recitativo secco was accompanied by the harpsichord, at which the composer himself presided.

From Project Gutenberg

In fresco painting no vehicle was used but water; in secco painting a tempera was used composed of white and yolk of egg.

From Project Gutenberg