Definition

1. Noun:
   • An intricate ornamental design: A decorative pattern characterized by flowing lines, interlacing curves, and often stylized plant forms like foliage, flowers, or vines.
   • A ballet position: A pose in which the dancer stands on one leg with the other leg extended straight behind, while the arms are held in an elegant, elongated position.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Ornamental Design):

  • The manuscript's margins were filled with beautiful gold arabesques.
  • The intricate arabesque on the ceramic tile is typical of Islamic art.

• Noun (Ballet Position):

  • The ballerina held a perfect arabesque for several seconds.
  • Her arabesque was so graceful it seemed effortless.

Advanced Usage

• "Arabesque" in music: In classical music, an "arabesque" can refer to a short, highly ornamented piece, often with a flowing, decorative melody.
  • Debussy's "Deux Arabesques" are famous piano pieces.
• "Arabesque" as an adjective (less common): Describing something as having intricate, interlaced decoration.
  • The arabesque patterns on the ceiling were breathtaking.

Variants and Related Words

• Arabesqued (adj): Adorned with arabesques.
  • The arabesqued archway marked the entrance to the palace.
• Arabesque-like (adj): Resembling an arabesque in form or style.

Synonyms

• Filigree: Delicate ornamental work of fine wire, often similar in intricacy.
• Scrollwork: Ornamentation based on spiral or scroll-like forms.
• Pose (specifically for the ballet term): Attitude, position.

Related Phrases

• "To strike an arabesque": To assume the ballet pose.
  • The dancer struck a final, stunning arabesque as the curtain fell.
• "Arabesque of thought" (figurative, literary): A complex, intertwining sequence of ideas.
  • The philosopher's argument was an arabesque of thought, beautiful but difficult to follow.

Noun

1. an ornament that interlaces simulated foliage in an intricate design
2. position in which the dancer has one leg raised behind and arms outstretched in a conventional pose