arabesque

 
Pronunciation: /ˌarəˈbɛsk/

noun

  • 1 Ballet a posture in which one leg is extended backwards at right angles, the torso bent forwards, and the arms outstretched, one forwards and one backwards.
  • 2an ornamental design consisting of intertwined flowing lines, originally found in ancient Islamic art: [as modifier]: arabesque scrolls
  • 3 Music a passage or composition with fanciful ornamentation of the melody.

Origin:

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