1. Plural of cantus; the highest or melody line in a musical composition, especially in polyphonic music.
Usage: music; formal
2. Plural of cantus; a chant or song, particularly in liturgical or ecclesiastical contexts.
Usage: religious; formal

Examples

• The composer arranged multiple cantuses for the choir to perform.
• In Renaissance polyphony, the cantuses often carried the main melodic theme.
• The church's cantuses were sung in Latin during the traditional service.
• Medieval manuscripts preserved several beautiful cantuses from that era.
• The soprano section sang the cantuses while the lower voices provided harmony.