A unit of meaning within the larger structure of a melody is called a?

A unit of meaning within the larger structure of a melody is called a "phrase." Phrases are musical sentences that convey a complete thought or idea, often consisting of a series of notes and rhythms. They typically consist of a sequence of measures and can lead to a sense of resolution, similar to how a sentence concludes with punctuation. In music, phrases are essential for shaping the overall emotional and structural flow of a composition.