Glissade
Noun
- A way of sliding down a steep slope of snow or ice, typically on the feet with the support of an ice axe.
- 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.
Verb
- Slide down a steep slope of snow or ice with the support of an ice axe.
Example Sentences
“The new dancers mastered the glissade in their first class.”
“The guide said the fastest way down the mountain was to glissade.”
“Part of the training included learning how to use a glissade to navigate snow and ice.”
Word Origin
French, mid-19th century
Why this word?
“Glissade” comes from the French verb “glisser,” meaning “to slip or slide.” In English, we use “glissade” as a verb for a specific action of sliding down an icy mountain. As a noun, it’s used to denote certain movements, but the exact execution of the movement depends on the context. If you’re on an icy mountain, you can slide down with an axe for support. On the dance floor, a glissade is a joining movement. And in fencing, you might disarm your opponent with a glissade.
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