What does the term 'meno' signify in music?

The term 'meno' in music is an Italian word meaning "less." It is often used as a directive in musical scores to instruct performers to decrease the intensity or quantity of a particular element. For example, if a composer writes 'meno forte,' it indicates that the music should be played with less volume. Thus, 'meno' effectively communicates that something should be reduced, whether it be dynamics, tempo, or any other musical characteristic. This term is essential for interpreting how a piece should be played and contributes to the expressive quality of the music. In the context of this question, that understanding makes 'less of something' the correct choice.