Ritornelle \Rit`or*nelle"\, Ritornello \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.
[1913 Webster]