I. ˈglīd verb
( glid·ed ; glid·ing )
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English glīdan; akin to Old High German glītan to glide
Date: before 12th century
intransitive verb
1. : to move smoothly, continuously, and effortlessly
swans gliding over the lake
2. : to go or pass imperceptibly
hours glided by
3.
a. of an airplane : to descend gradually in controlled flight
b. : to fly in a glider
4. : to produce a glide (as in music or speech)
transitive verb
: to cause to glide
II. noun
Date: 1584
1. : a calm stretch of shallow water flowing smoothly
2. : the act or action of gliding
3. : portamento
4.
a. : a less prominent vowel sound produced by the passing of the vocal organs to or from the articulatory position of a speech sound — compare diphthong
b. : semivowel
5. : a device for facilitating movement of something ; especially : a circular usually metal button attached to the bottom of furniture legs to provide a smooth surface