1. comic exaggeration: a drawing, description, or performance that exaggerates somebody's or something's characteristics for humorous or satirical effect
2. travesty: a ridiculously inappropriate or unsuccessful version of or attempt at something
3. art of caricatures: the art of creating caricatures
[Mid-18th century. < Italian caricatura< caricare "exaggerate, load" < late Latin carricare (see cargo)]