glissando
UK[ɡlɪˈsændəʊ]US[ɡlɪˈsɑːndoʊ]
n
a continuous slide upwards or downwards between two notes.
adv
performed with a continuous slide.
Etymology
the term 'glissando' entered english in the 19th century directly from italian, where it is the gerund form of 'glissare', meaning 'to slide'. the italian verb itself was borrowed from the french 'glisser', which has the same meaning. the french word likely originates from the frankish glīdan, akin to the old high german 'glītan' and the old english 'glīdan', both meaning 'to glide', tracing back to the proto-germanic root glīdaną. this etymological journey, from a germanic root for smooth motion to a specific italian musical instruction, perfectly captures the essence of the technique: a smooth, gliding transition between pitches.
Analysis
this word is a loanword from italian, adopted as a whole into english musical terminology. it is derived from the french verb 'glisser', meaning 'to slide'.
Examples
the violinist executed a beautiful glissando at the end of the phrase.
the piano piece calls for a rapid glissando across the white keys.
she played the note with a glissando effect, sliding into it from below.