ballet

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A classical form of dance.

   a classically-trained ballet dancer

2. 2
   noun

   A theatrical presentation of such dancing, usually with music, sometimes in the form of a story.

   Let's go to the ballet in the theatre tomorrow!

3. 3
   noun

   The company of persons who perform this dance.

   Zara joined the ballet at the age of 14.

4. 4
   noun

   A (small) ball i.e. roundel on a coat of arms, called a bezant, plate, etc., according to colour.

   9. Peter West, Ar. bears sable Ballets argent a Lyon Rampant.

5. 5
   noun

   Any intricate series of operations involving coordination between individuals.

   Food preparation on a potager no doubt became a kitchen ballet in which pans were constantly shifted, coals constantly replenished, and grates shaken out.

6. 6
   verb

   To perform an action reminiscent of ballet dancing.

   Situations that typically require longer iliac limbs than the measurements suggest include extreme iliac tortuosity, “balleting” of the limbs (Endurant and Excluder) (Fig. 90-3), and the need to extend to the external iliac arteries. It these anatomic circumstances, it is prudent to choose a longer length when in doubt.

7. 7
   noun

   a theatrical representation of a story that is performed to music by trained dancers

8. 8
   noun

   music written for a ballet

Etymology

Borrowed from French ballet, from Italian balletto (“short dance, ballet”), diminutive form of ballo (“group dance”), from Late Latin ballō (“to dance”).