What does polonaise mean in musical terms?

A polonaise is a musical piece in 3/4 time, originating in Poland as folk dance for nobility, which often opens a ball and is also part of some operas and orchestral suites. Some composers who wrote famous Polonaises are Chopin, Beethoven, Schubert, and Tchaikovsky.

In piano literature, most of the polonaises by Frédéric Chopin are considered the apotheosis of the form. His works for the piano feature more varied forms, and some employ virtuoso piano writing reminiscent of his earlier compositions and études. Polonaises were frequently featured and were widely popular when performed at Polish aristocratic celebrations throughout Chopin's time.