Definition of "tempo" []

• Music The speed at which music is or ought to be played, often indicated on written compositions by a descriptive or metronomic direction to the performer. (noun)
• A characteristic rate or rhythm of activity; a pace: "the tempo and the feeling of modern life” ( Robert L. Heilbroner). (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "After any modification in tempo (either faster or slower) has been suggested it is usual to indicate a return to the normal rate by some such expression as _a tempo_ (lit. in time), _a tempo primo_ (lit. in the first time), _tempo primo_, or _tempo_."
• "Before the game, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said he wasn't sure how his team would react to the long layoff or the change in tempo from the high-scoring series against the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference finals that ended in five games more than a week ago."
• "Controlling the tempo is a strategy, going back to the 4-corners in college ball, and the ability to do it well indicates defensive skill."