retardation
n. C2 Proficiency US //ɹitɑɹˈdeɪʃən// UK //ɹɪtɑːdˈeɪʃən// re·tar·da·tion
n. a delay or a slowing down of something. In music, it means a note or sound is played slightly later than it should be.
n. a reduction in the speed or rate of a process. In a musical context, it refers to the intentional delay of a note or sound relative to its expected timing.
The drummer added a bit of retardation to the final measure.
In jazz, a musician might use a slight retardation to create a sense of tension before resolving back to the main beat.
The composer's use of rhythmic retardation in the second movement creates a feeling of hesitation and uncertainty that mirrors the protagonist's internal conflict.
From retard + -ation.