"Crescendo" is an Italian word designating a gradual increase in volume. It can be written in the abbreviated form of "cresc." or indicated by the graphic sign <. The graphic sign allows the composer to show where the crescendo begins and ends.
To decrease the volume, a decrescendo sign is used. It can be written in the abbreviated form of "decresc." or indicated by the graphic sign >. Sometimes the term diminuendo is used synonymously with decrescendo (dim.).
