I. glə̇ˈsän(ˌ)dō, glēˈ- noun
Etymology: probably modification (influenced by Italian -ando as in accelerando ) of French glissade, n.
1. plural glissan·di -dē or glissandos
a. : a rapid series of consecutive notes played on a piano, harp, or other similar instrument by sliding one or more fingers across adjacent keys or strings
b.
(1) : a rapid series of chromatic notes played on a violin or other similar instrument by minute interruptions in sliding the finger along the string being bowed
(2) : a series of notes (as on a clarinet) forming a nearly unbroken change of pitch
c. : portamento 1
2. -s : the technique of gradually increasing the electric current in the application of electroshock so as to minimize the shock of the total current applied
II. adverb (or adjective)
: in the manner of a glissando — used as a direction in music