siciliano

noun

si·​cil·​i·​a·​no
sə̇ˌsilēˈä(ˌ)nō,
sə̇ˌchi-
variants or siciliana
-nə
or sicilienne
sə̇¦silē¦en
plural -s
1
: a graceful Sicilian rustic dance in which the partners are joined with handkerchiefs
2
: the music for the siciliano in ⁶/₈ or ¹²/₈ time characterized by a lyrical melody with dotted rhythm and similar to the pastorale

Word History

Etymology

siciliano modification (influenced by Italian siciliano Sicilian) of Italian siciliana; siciliana from It, from feminine of siciliano Sicilian, from Sicilia Sicily (from Latin) + -ano -an (from Latin -anus); sicilienne from French, from Italian siciliana

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Dictionary Entries Near siciliano

Cite this Entry

“Siciliano.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/siciliano. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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