fondamento

noun2

1. •
   A quay along an Italian waterway.

   • That view up the fondamento is at all times one of the loveliest aspects of the lovely little island town, but in the month of May a strange enchantment is added. — 1991
2. •
   An instrumental bass part that forms the basis of the melody, and against which other instruments provide harmony.

   • In the same collection there appeared a quatuor with four melodic instruments: flute, oboe, violin, and cello, besides the fondamento or figured bass. — 1949