glissando

[ gli-sahn-doh ]

adjective

1. performed with a gliding effect by sliding one or more fingers rapidly over the keys of a piano or strings of a harp.

noun

, plural glis·san·di [gli-, sahn, -dee].

1. a glissando passage.
2. (in string playing) a slide.

glissando

/ ɡlɪˈsændəʊ /

noun

1. a rapidly executed series of notes on the harp or piano, each note of which is discretely audible
2. a portamento, esp as executed on the violin, viola, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of glissando¹

1870–75; < French gliss ( er ) to slide + Italian -ando gerund ending

Word History and Origins

Origin of glissando¹

C19: probably Italianized variant of glissade

Example Sentences

Her performance in A Star Is Born was a kind of glissando between skill sets.

From Time

Among special effects the glissando is really beautiful when properly done.

From Project Gutenberg

Various effects can be obtained on the harp: by harmonics, by damping, by guitar tones, by the glissando.

From Project Gutenberg

Will you describe the best method of holding the hand when playing glissando?

From Project Gutenberg

The fact that the tone is passed over glissando eliminates it from the scale.

From Project Gutenberg

In the second measure there is an almost inaudible tone at the end of the glissando.

From Project Gutenberg