arabesque

An arabesque is defined as a graceful ballet pose.

(noun)

An example of an arabesque is the extension of the right arm forward while extending the left leg and left arm backward and balancing on the right foot.

Arabesque means a piece of music which is brief but upbeat and often crafted for play on the piano.

(noun)

An example of an arabesque is a piece of music titled Debussy's Arabesque No. 1.

Arabesque is defined as an artistic portrayal of flowing lines, particularly scrolls.

(noun)

An example of an arabesque can be seen on the Savonnerie carpet in the Louvre.

The definition of arabesque is artwork or structures that are decorated with many flowing lines.

(adjective)

An example of arabesque artwork is on the dome of the Sheikh Lotfalla mosque.

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See arabesque in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

  1. a complex and elaborate decorative design of intertwined lines suggesting flowers, foliage, animals, geometric patterns, etc., used in drawing, painting, low relief, metalwork, etc.
  2. Ballet a position in which one leg is extended straight backward and the arms are extended, usually one forward and one backward
  3. Music
    1. a light, whimsical composition with many delicately ornamental passages
    2. any ornamental passage typical of such a composition

Origin: Fr < It arabesco < Arabo, Arab < Ar ʼarab: with reference to the designs in Moorish architecture

adjective

of, done in, or like arabesque; fantastic and elaborate

See arabesque in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. A ballet position in which the dancer bends forward while standing on one straight leg with the arm extended forward and the other arm and leg extended backward.
  2. A complex, ornate design of intertwined floral, foliate, and geometric figures.
  3. Music An ornate, whimsical composition especially for piano.
  4. An intricate or elaborate pattern or design: “the fluctuating shapes of a cloudscape, the complex arabesque of a camera movement, the blink of a character's eye” (Nigel Andrews).
adjective
In the fashion of or formed as an arabesque.

Origin:

Origin: French

Origin: , from Italian arabesco, in Arabian fashion

Origin: , from Arabo, an Arab

Origin: , from Latin Arabus

Origin: , from Arabs; see Arab

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