TARANTELLA

tarantella, tarantelle

(noun) a lively whirling Italian dance for two persons

tarantella

(noun) music composed in six-eight time for dancing the tarantella

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

tarantella (plural tarantellas)

A rapid dance in 6/8 time, originating in Italy, or a piece of music for such a dance.

Source: Wiktionary

Tar`an*tel"la, n. Etym: [It.] (Mus.) (a) A rapid and delirious sort of Neapolitan dance in 6-8 time, which moves in whirling triplets; -- so called from a popular notion of its being a remedy against the poisonous bite of the tarantula. Some derive its name from Taranto in Apulia. (b) Music suited to such a dance.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition