How Do You Spell TOURNANT?

Pronunciation: [tˈʊ͡ənənt] (IPA)

The word tournant is a French term that means "turning" or "revolving." It is pronounced as [tuʁnɑ̃] in IPA phonetic transcription. The spelling of the word tournant can be explained by its roots in the French language, where vowels and consonants are pronounced differently from English. The "ou" in tournant is pronounced as "oo," while the "ant" is pronounced as "awng," creating a unique and melodic pronunciation of the word.

TOURNANT Meaning and Definition

  1. Tournant is a French term that can be translated as "turning" or "pivot" in English. It has various meanings depending on the context in which it is used.

    In the culinary world, "tournant" refers to a professional chef who is responsible for moving around various stations in a restaurant's kitchen, assisting and filling in for other chefs as needed. The tournant is considered a versatile and well-rounded cook who possesses the skills necessary to perform the tasks required at any given station.

    In the world of ballet, "tournant" refers to a turning movement. It is commonly used to describe a pirouette, a classic ballet turn where the dancer spins on one foot while maintaining balance and control.

    In architecture, "tournant" refers to a spiral or curved stairway. This type of staircase is often seen in grand buildings or palaces and is characterized by its elegant and sweeping design.

    In a more general sense, "tournant" can also refer to a turning point or a moment of change or transition. It can describe a crucial moment in a person's life, a historical event, or a shift in the course of a story or narrative.

    Overall, tournant can be understood as a versatile term that encompasses diverse meanings ranging from a rotating chef to a ballet turn, a spiral staircase, or a pivotal moment of change.

Etymology of TOURNANT

The word "tournant" has its roots in the French language. Its etymology can be traced back to the verb "tourner", meaning "to turn" in English. "Tourner" is derived from the Latin word "tornare", which referred to activities involving turning or shaping objects on a lathe. Over time, "tourner" evolved to encompass a broader sense of rotation or movement. "Tournant" is the present participle form of "tourner" and can be translated as "turning" or "turner" in English. In various contexts, "tournant" can refer to a rotating object, a person who turns or spins, or the act of rotating or turning itself.