Definitions for arabesque
ˌær əˈbɛskarabesque

Princeton's WordNet(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

1. arabesque(noun)

   position in which the dancer has one leg raised behind and arms outstretched in a conventional pose

2. arabesque(noun)

   an ornament that interlaces simulated foliage in an intricate design

Wiktionary(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

1. arabesque(Noun)

   An elaborate design of intertwined floral figures or complex geometrical patterns. This ornamental design is mainly used in Islamic Art and architecture

   Etymology: arabesque, from arabesco, from arabo.

2. arabesque(Noun)

   An ornate composition, especially for the piano.

   Etymology: arabesque, from arabesco, from arabo.

3. arabesque(Noun)

   A dance position in which the dancer stands on one leg, with the other raised backwards, and the arms outstretched

   Etymology: arabesque, from arabesco, from arabo.

Webster Dictionary(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

1. Arabesque(noun)

   a style of ornamentation either painted, inlaid, or carved in low relief. It consists of a pattern in which plants, fruits, foliage, etc., as well as figures of men and animals, real or imaginary, are fantastically interlaced or put together

   Etymology: [F. arabesque, fr. It. arabesco, fr. Arabo Arab.]

2. Arabesque(adj)

   arabian

   Etymology: [F. arabesque, fr. It. arabesco, fr. Arabo Arab.]

3. Arabesque(adj)

   relating to, or exhibiting, the style of ornament called arabesque; as, arabesque frescoes

   Etymology: [F. arabesque, fr. It. arabesco, fr. Arabo Arab.]

Freebase(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

1. Arabesque

   The arabesque is a form of artistic decoration consisting of "surface decorations based on rhythmic linear patterns of scrolling and interlacing foliage, tendrils" or plain lines, often combined with other elements. Within the very wide range of Eurasian decorative art that includes motifs matching this basic definition the term "arabesque" is used consistently as a technical term by art historians to describe only elements of the decoration found in two phases: Islamic art from about the 9th century onwards, and European decorative art from the Renaissance onwards. Arabesques are a fundamental element of Islamic art but they develop what was already a long tradition by the coming of Islam. The past and current usage of the term in respect of European art can only be described as confused and inconsistent. Some Western arabesques derive from Islamic art, but others are closely based on Ancient Roman decorations. In the West they are essentially found in the decorative arts, but because of the generally non-figurative nature of Islamic art arabesque decoration is there often a very prominent element in the most significant works, and plays a large part in the decoration of architecture.

The Nuttall Encyclopedia(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

1. Arabesque

   an ornamentation introduced by the Moors, consisting of imaginary, often fantastic, mathematical or vegetable forms, but exclusive of the forms of men and animals.

Suggested Resources(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

1. arabesque

   Song lyrics by arabesque -- Explore a large variety of song lyrics performed by arabesque on the Lyrics.com website.

How to pronounce arabesque?

1. Alex

   US English

   Daniel

   British

   Karen

   Australian

   Veena

   Indian

How to say arabesque in sign language?

Numerology

1. Chaldean Numerology

   The numerical value of arabesque in Chaldean Numerology is: 8

2. Pythagorean Numerology

   The numerical value of arabesque in Pythagorean Numerology is: 8

Examples of arabesque in a Sentence

1. Stephen Namara:

   In 1994, Signe Mayfield said in The Palo Alto Cultural Center: "A more contained approach to the figure is seen in the lyrical drawing Bend, 1991, by Stephen Namara. In contrast to Neri's expressionistic forms, Namara has depicted the calisthenic stance of the figure in a pure, linear arabesque. An ambient, white light heightens the seductive beauty of the drawing. Its resonance comes from its capacity to act as both an abstract calligraph and Lyrical representation".

Images & Illustrations of arabesque

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