Definitions for "Recitative"
Keywords:  oratorio, aria, opera, cantata, secco
A species of musical recitation in which the words are delivered in a manner resembling that of ordinary declamation; also, a piece of music intended for such recitation; -- opposed to melisma.
Of or pertaining to recitation; intended for musical recitation or declamation; in the style or manner of recitative.
In opera terms this means to sing in a rhythm which follows the pattern of ordinary speech rhythms.  There are two types  1) Secco - Italian for dry, this is a rapid dialogue which carries forward the plot, particularly in comic operas. 2) Vaccompagnato, used to accompany more emphatic phrases such as the declamatory introduction to an aria.
Keywords:  song, words, way
a reciting of words in a song-like way