tremolo

Meanings

1. A rapid repetition of the same note, or an alternation between two or more notes. It can also be intended to mean a rapid and repetitive variation in pitch for the duration of a note. It is notated by a strong diagonal bar across the note stem, or a detached bar for a set of notes (or stemless notes).
2. A variation in the volume of a note or a chord, evoking a tremor or quiver.
3. The device in an organ that produces a tremolo effect.

Etymology

Borrowed from Italian tremolo, first-person present indicative of tremolare (“to shake, to tremble”). Origin: 1715-25.