Byzantine

Byzantine Definition

Byz·an·tine (biz′ən tēn′, -tīn′; bi zan′tin)

adjective

of Byzantium or the Byzantine Empire, or its people or culture
of or pertaining to the Eastern Orthodox Church
resembling the government or politics of the Byzantine Empire in structure, spirit, etc.; specif., characterized by complexity, deviousness, intrigue, etc.
Archit. designating or of a style developed in Byzantium and E Europe between the 4th and 15th cent., characterized by domes over square areas, round arches, elaborate mosaics, etc.
Art designating or of the decorative style of the mosaics, frescoes, etc. of the Byzantine Empire, characterized by lack of perspective, use of rich colors, esp. gold, and emphasis on religious symbolism

Etymology: L Byzantinus

noun

a person born or living in Byzantium

byzantine Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

complexity: With its inefficiency, unfairness and byzantine complexity, it needs reform.

Noun used with modifier

Browse dictionary entries near Byzantine