presto (redirected from prestos)

pres·to  (prst)

adv.

1. Music In a very fast tempo, usually considered to be faster than allegro but slower than prestissimo. Used chiefly as a direction.

2. So suddenly that magic seems involved; right away.

n. pl. pres·tos Music

A passage or movement that is performed presto.

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[Italian, from Late Latin praestus, quick, from Latin praest, at hand; see ghes- in Indo-European roots.]

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presto adj.

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presto [ˈprɛstəʊ]

adj & adv

(Music, other) Music to be played very fast

adv

immediately, suddenly, or at once (esp in the phrase hey presto)

n pl -tos

(Music, other) Music a movement or passage directed to be played very quickly

[from Italian: fast, from Late Latin praestus (adj) ready to hand, Latin praestō (adv) present]

Thesaurus

Adj.	1.	presto - (of tempo) very fast fast - at a rapid tempo; "the band played a fast fox trot"
Adv.	1.	presto - suddenly; "Presto! begone! 'tis here again"- Swift
	2.	presto - at a very fast tempo (faster than allegro) music - an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner

Translations

presto [ˈprestəʊ] ADV hey presto! → ¡abracadabra!