Rit`or*nelle" (?), Ri`tor*nel"lo (?), n. [It. ritornello, dim. of ritorno return, fr. ritornare to return: cf. F. ritournelle.] Mus. (a)
A short return or repetition; a concluding symphony to an air, often consisting of the burden of the song.
(a)
A short intermediate symphony, or instrumental passage, in the course of a vocal piece; an interlude.
© Webster 1913.