Dictionary

1arabesque

adjective ar·a·besque \ˌa-rə-ˈbesk, ˌer-ə\

Definition of ARABESQUE

:  of, relating to, or being in the style of arabesque or an arabesque
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Origin of ARABESQUE

French, from Italian arabesco Arabian in fashion, from arabo Arab, from Latin Arabus
First Known Use: circa 1656

Other Dance Terms

attitude, honor, saltatory, sashay, taw

2arabesque

noun

: a complicated decorative design made with many lines that curve and cross each other

: a ballet position in which the dancer stands on one foot and holds one arm forward while the other arm and leg are held out behind

Full Definition of ARABESQUE

1
:  an ornament or style that employs flower, foliage, or fruit and sometimes animal and figural outlines to produce an intricate pattern of interlaced lines
2
:  a posture (as in ballet) in which the body is bent forward from the hip on one leg with one arm extended forward and the other arm and leg backward
3
:  an elaborate or intricate pattern

Illustration of ARABESQUE

First Known Use of ARABESQUE

circa 1720

Other Fine Arts Terms

Gothic, baroque, bas-relief, limn, oeuvre, pastiche, rococo, sfumato

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