girandole

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The earliest uses of "girandole" in English, in the 17th century, referred to a kind of firework or to something, such as a fountain, with a radiating pattern like that of a firework.

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Definitions (8)

Toggle American Heritage definitions American Heritage Dictionary (3)

  1. noun A composition or structure in radiating form or arrangement, such as a rotating display of fireworks.
  2. noun An ornamental branched candleholder, sometimes backed by a mirror.
  3. noun An earring that consists of a central piece with three smaller ornaments or stones hanging from it.

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Examples (15)

  • The earliest uses of "girandole" in English, in the 17th century, referred to a kind of firework or to something, such as a fountain, with a radiating pattern like that of a firework. —  Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day
  • Such a pattern is reflected in the word's etymology: "girandole" can be traced back, by way of French and Italian, to the Latin word "gyrus," meaning "gyre" or "a circular or spiral motion or form." —  Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day
  • By the 18th century "girandole" was being used for a branched candlestick, perhaps due to its resemblance to the firework. —  Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day
  • The white panelling of the walls was broken here and there by a mirror, or a girandole, delicate work of the same date as the Riesener table; while halfway down two Rose du Barri tapestries faced each other, glowing in the June sun. —  The Mating of Lydia
  • I have seen a set of cut-glass sent to Calcutta for the purpose, or a girandole, too handsome for Brazilian purchasers. —  Journal of a Voyage to Brazil And Residence There During Part of the Years 1821, 1822, 1823
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Etymologies (2)

Toggle American Heritage etymologies American Heritage Dictionary (1)

  1. French, from Italian girandola, from girare, to turn, from Late Latin gȳrāre; see gyrate.

Toggle Century etymologies Century Dictionary (1)

  1. from French girandole = Spanish girándula = Portuguese girandula, from Italian girandola, a chandelier, shift, maze, from girare, from Latin gyrare, turn: see gyre, gyrate.
 

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/ˈdʒɪrəndoʊl/
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