Glissandos

/ɡlɪˈsɑːndoʊz/ noun

Definition

Plural of 'glissando' using English pluralization rules, referring to multiple smooth sliding transitions between musical notes.

Etymology

From Italian 'glissando' (sliding + gerundial suffix '-ando') with English plural '-s' added. This represents the English regularization of an Italian loanword, competing with the Italian plural 'glissandi.'

Kelly Says

The battle between 'glissandi' and 'glissandos' perfectly shows how English speakers gradually assimilate foreign words—each generation uses 'glissandos' more, and eventually 'glissandi' may become as dated as 'cacti' sounds next to modern speakers saying 'cactuses.'

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