1837, from Greek melisma "a song, an air, a tune, melody," from melos "music, song, melody; musical phrase or member," literally "limb," from PIE *mel- "a limb." [..]

Melodic ornamentation by the use of more than one tone in singing a syllable.

a style of musical ornamentation and singing in which several notes are sung to a single syllable of a word, typical of Flamenco, Arabic, and Jewish styles as well as the alabado Nuevo Mexicano.

a melodic passage sung to one syllable of the text; a melodic style of many notes to a syllable.

 – the technique of changing the note (pitch) of a syllable of text while it is being sung

A vocal style in which one sings several pitches in one syllable.

   An expressive and elaborate melodic improvisation sung on a single syllable.

A group of notes sung to one syllable of text.

Originating in Gregorian chant, a technique of singing a group of notes for one syllable of text

A group of more than a few notes sung to a single syllable. (melismatic)

Use of many notes on one syllable of text