por·ta·men·to \ˌpōrd.əˈmen(ˌ)tō\noun (pluralportamen·ti \-n(ˌ)tē\) Etymology: Italian, literally, act of carrying, from portare to carry (from Latin) + -mento -ment — more at fare 1.: a continuous glide effected by the voice, a trombone, or a bowed stringed musical instrument in passing from one tone to another 2.: portato