arabesque

/ˌɛrəˈbɛsk/
noun
  1. A ballet position in which the dancer stands on one leg with the other leg extended straight behind, and one or both arms extended forward.
    • Her arabesque was so graceful that the audience applauded.
    • The ballerina held a perfect arabesque for several seconds.
    • In class, we practiced arabesques at the barre to improve our balance.
  2. An elaborate, intricate design of intertwined lines, leaves, and scrolls, often used in Islamic art and architecture.
    • The mosque's walls were decorated with beautiful arabesques in blue and gold.
    • He studied the arabesque patterns on the ancient carpet.
    • The artist spent weeks painting the arabesque motifs on the ceiling.
  3. A short, highly ornamented piece of music, often for piano, with a flowing, decorative style.
    • She played Debussy's 'Arabesque No. 1' at the recital.
    • I love listening to arabesques because they sound so light and airy.
    • The composer wrote several arabesques for solo piano.
adjective
  1. Decorated with or resembling an arabesque design; intricate and flowing.
    • The arabesque patterns on the vase were very detailed.
    • She wore a scarf with arabesque embroidery along the edges.
    • The building's arabesque arches reminded me of a palace.
What does "arabesque" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean