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arabesque

Syllabification: (ar·a·besque)
Pronunciation: /ˌarəˈbesk/

Definition of arabesque

noun

  • 1an ornamental design consisting of intertwined flowing lines, originally found in Arabic or Moorish decoration: [as modifier]:arabesque scrolls
  • Music a passage or composition with fanciful ornamentation of the melody.
  • 2 Ballet a posture in which the body is supported on one leg, with the other leg extended horizontally backward.

Origin:

mid 17th century: from French, from Italian arabesco 'in the Arabic style', from arabo 'Arab'

arabesque in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of arabesque in the British & World English dictionary