Glissade
[ɡlə-SAHD]
Part of speech: noun
Origin: French, mid-19th century
1.
A way of sliding down a steep slope of snow or ice, typically on the feet with the support of an ice axe.
2.
(Ballet) A movement, typically used as a joining step, in which one leg is brushed outward from the body, which then takes the weight while the second leg is brushed in to meet it.
Examples of Glissade in a sentence
"Attempting a glissade was the only way down the mountain."
"The glissade serves as the transition between the more difficult dance steps."
About Glissade
The glissade comes from the French verb "glisser," meaning to slip or slide. In English we use glissade as a noun to describe movements that take on this slipping and sliding characteristic. But it can also be used as a verb — "glissading down the mountain in a glissade." It's not the strongest writing, but it's still accurate.
Did you Know?
A glissade is a type of movement, but the exact execution of it depends on the context. If you're on an icy mountain, you can slide down in a glissade. The glissade might occur on the dance floor, or you might be disarming your fencing opponent with a glissade.
