girandole

[ jir-uhn-dohl ]

noun

1. a rotating and radiating firework.
2. an ornate bracket for candelabra or the like, sometimes with a reflecting mirror at the back of the shelf.
3. a brooch or earring consisting of a central ornament with usually three smaller ornaments hanging from it.

girandole

/ ˈdʒɪrənˌdəʊl; dʒɪˈrændələ /

noun

1. an ornamental branched wall candleholder, usually incorporating a mirror
2. an earring or pendant having a central gem surrounded by smaller ones
3. a kind of revolving firework
4. artillery a group of connected mines

Word History and Origins

Origin of girandole¹

First recorded in 1625–35; from French, from Italian girandola, derivative of girare “to turn in a circle, revolve,” from Late Latin gȳrāre, derivative of gȳrus “circular track (for horses), ring, circle,” from Greek gŷros

Word History and Origins

Origin of girandole¹

C17: from French, from Italian girandola, from girare to revolve, from Latin gӯrāre to gyrate

Example Sentences

I have seen a set of cut-glass sent to Calcutta for the purpose, or a girandole, too handsome for Brazilian purchasers.

From Project Gutenberg

A witty writer says that dessert should be "the girandole, or cunning tableau of the dinner."

From Project Gutenberg

The sounds of shivering glass as a girandole crashed from its joining met their ears.

From Project Gutenberg

They were the only tenants of the room, which was small, cedar-panelled and lighted by a girandole of sparkling crystal.

From Project Gutenberg

The saloon is lit with gas, and has a very tasteful girandole.

From Project Gutenberg