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.
The line of counterpoint must be compatible with the cantus firmus, but it must also maintain its independence from it. This species is written in whole notes, like the cantus firmus. The line of counterpoint begins on a P5, P8, or P12 if it is above the cantus firmus (example 2a), and on a P1 or P8 if it is below the cantus firmus (example 2b).