Arabesque Definition

ărə-bĕsk
arabesques
noun
A ballet position executed while standing on one straight leg with the arm extended forward and the other arm and leg extended backward.
American Heritage
A complex and elaborate decorative design of intertwined lines suggesting flowers, foliage, animals, geometric patterns, etc., used in drawing, painting, low relief, metalwork, etc.
Webster's New World
A complex, ornate design of intertwined floral, foliate, and geometric figures.
American Heritage
A position in which one leg is extended straight backward and the arms are extended, usually one forward and one backward.
Webster's New World
An ornate, whimsical composition especially for piano.
American Heritage
adjective
In the fashion of or formed as an arabesque.
American Heritage
Of, done in, or like arabesque; fantastic and elaborate.
Webster's New World

Other Word Forms of Arabesque

Noun

Singular:
arabesque
Plural:
arabesques

Origin of Arabesque

  • French from Italian arabesco in Arabian fashion from Arabo an Arab from Latin Arabus from Arabs Arab

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • French arabesque, from Italian arabesco, from arabo (“Arab”).

    From Wiktionary

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