What is "thorough bass"

Thorough bass \Thor"ough bass`\ (Mus.) The representation of chords by figures placed under the base; figured bass; basso continuo; -- sometimes used as synonymous with harmony.

Bass \Bass\ (b[=a]s), n. [F. basse, fr. bas low. See Base, a.]

1. A bass, or deep, sound or tone.

2. (Mus.)

   1. The lowest part in a musical composition.

   2. One who sings, or the instrument which plays, bass.

      Thorough bass. See Thorough bass.

n. a bass part written out in full and accompanied by numbers to indicate the chords to be played [syn: figured bass, basso continuo, continuo]