Arabesque
/ˌær.əˈbɛsk/noun
A decorative design of intertwined flowing lines, or a balletic pose with one leg extended behind.
Did you know?In European art history, an arabesque was named for its supposed “Arabic” style, but the term’s journey was shaped more by Renaissance taste and cultural fantasy than by a simple direct borrowing.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Gk
arabískos
“Arab; Arabic”
Latin
Lat
arabiscus
“Arabian, Arab-style”
Italian
It
arabesco
“Arab-style ornament; intricate decorative pattern”
16th Century
French
arabesque
“An ornament in interlacing, scrolling lines, thought to be in the Arab style”
17th Century
English
arabesque
“A decorative design of intertwined flowing lines; later, a ballet position or movement”