arabesque
|ar-a-besque|
/ˌærəˈbɛsk/
ornate, interlaced decoration / pose
Etymology
'arabesque' originates from French, specifically the word 'arabesque', where the element 'arab-' referred to 'Arabic' (in the style of the Arabs) and the suffix '-esque' meant 'in the style of'.
'arabesque' entered English from French 'arabesque', which in turn came from Italian 'arabesco' (meaning 'in the Arabic style'), ultimately derived from Arabic 'arab' meaning 'Arab'.
Initially, it meant 'in the Arabic style' or 'Arabic-like ornamentation'; over time it broadened to denote specific types of ornate, interlaced decoration, a musical miniature with decorative lines, and a ballet pose.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an ornamental design using flowing, interlaced lines and tendrils, often based on floral or foliage motifs; decoration in an Arabic or Moorish style.
The palace walls were covered with intricate arabesque patterns.
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Noun 2
a ballet position in which the dancer stands on one leg while extending the other leg straight behind the body.
She held an arabesque for several counts before turning.
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Noun 3
a short, ornamental musical piece or passage characterized by flowing, decorative melodic lines (as in works titled 'Arabesque' by composers like Debussy).
Debussy's Arabesque No. 1 is admired for its graceful, winding melodies.
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Verb 1
to decorate or ornament with arabesques; to embellish with flowing, interlaced patterns. Also, (intransitive) to assume an arabesque position in dance.
Artisans arabesque the wooden panels with carved vines.
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Adjective 1
having the qualities or appearance of an arabesque; ornate and characterized by flowing, intertwined decoration.
The museum displayed an arabesque arch from the medieval period.
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Last updated: 2025/09/30 14:46