arabesques
|a-ra-besque|
/ˌærəˈbɛsk/
(arabesque)
ornate, interlaced decoration / pose
Etymology
'arabesque' originates from French, specifically the word 'arabesque', which itself comes from Italian 'arabesco' where 'arab-' referred to 'Arab' or 'Arabic' and the suffix '-esco/-esque' meant 'in the style of'.
'arabesque' changed from Italian 'arabesco' into French 'arabesque' and was then borrowed into English (from French) in the late 16th to 17th century, becoming the modern English word 'arabesque'.
Initially, it referred to 'in the Arabic manner' or 'Arabic-style ornament'; over time it broadened to mean specific types of interlaced, flowing decorative patterns and extended metaphorically to poses and musical pieces with similar ornamental character.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
decorative, flowing surface pattern of intertwined foliage, tendrils, or plain lines, typical of Islamic art and later European ornament.
The palace walls were covered with arabesques.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a ballet position in which the dancer stands on one leg with the other leg extended straight behind the body.
The dancer performed several perfect arabesques during the solo.
Synonyms
Noun 3
a musical or artistic piece characterized by ornate, flowing lines—often used as the title for short piano works (e.g., Debussy's Arabesques).
Debussy's arabesques are well known among piano students.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/30 15:28