Word Study
portamento
CIDE DICTIONARY
portamento, n. [It., fr. portare to carry.].
In singing, or in the use of the bow, a gradual carrying or lifting of the voice or sound very smoothly from one note to another; a gliding from tone to tone. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
portamento, n. (pl. portamenti) Mus.
1 the act or an instance of gliding from one note to another in singing, playing the violin, etc.
2 piano-playing in a manner intermediate between legato and staccato.
1 the act or an instance of gliding from one note to another in singing, playing the violin, etc.
2 piano-playing in a manner intermediate between legato and staccato.
Etymology
It., = carrying
For further exploring for "portamento" in Webster Dictionary Online
