fermata UK /ˌfɜːˈmɑːtə/US /ˌfɜːɹˈmɑtə/ noun2 •The holding of a note or rest for longer than its usual duration. •The notation ⟨◌͒⟩ of such a prolongation, usually represented as a dot with a semi-circle above or below it, written above or below the prolonged note or rest. formsfermatas · fermate