Meanings
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1
noun
an intricate decorative design of interlacing lines, scrolling foliage, or geometric forms, especially in Islamic and Renaissance art
Burnished steel arabesques covered the surface of the Moorish lamp.
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2
noun
ballet: a pose in which the dancer stands on one leg with the other extended straight behind the body
The dancer held a poised arabesque before lowering her raised leg.
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3
noun
a short, decorative musical composition with flowing or elaborately ornamented lines
The pianist played a delicate arabesque by Debussy.
Thesaurus
Etymology
Borrowed from French arabesque through Italian arabesco, 'in the Arab style,' from arabo, 'Arab.' European art terminology applied it to interlacing ornament associated with Islamic design; ballet and music later borrowed the name for similarly extended or decorative forms.