A series of single notes adding up to a recognizable whole is often called tempo?

The term you're looking for is likely "melody," not tempo. A melody consists of a sequence of single notes that are perceived as a cohesive musical idea, creating a recognizable tune. Tempo, on the other hand, refers to the speed at which a piece of music is played. While tempo can influence the feel of a melody, it does not define the series of notes themselves.