con·tin·u·o  (kən-tĭn'yōō-ō')  n. pl. con·tin·u·os An independent bass line, usually realized on a keyboard instrument, in which numerals written underneath the notes indicate the kinds of harmony to be played. Also called basso continuo, figured bass, thoroughbass. [Italian, from Latin continuus, continuous; see continue.] |
| thor·ough·bass or thor·ough bass (thûr'ō-bās', thûr'ə-, thŭr'-) n. See continuo. [thorough, through and through + bass2.] |