1. a melody or chant, especially in medieval or liturgical music
Usage: music
2. the principal voice or melody in polyphonic music
Usage: music

Examples

• The cantus was sung by the choir during the medieval ceremony.
• In Gregorian chant, the cantus carries the main melodic line.
• The composer wrote a beautiful cantus for the soprano voice.
• Students analyzed the cantus firmus in their music theory class.
• The ancient cantus has been preserved in monastery manuscripts.
• The cantus provided the foundation for the entire polyphonic piece.