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arabesque

ar·a·besque [ àrrə bésk ] (plural ar·a·besques)


noun 
Definition:
 
1. ballet formal pose of ballet dancer: a ballet position in which the dancer stands on one leg with the other extended back and both arms stretched out, usually one forward and the other backward

2. ornate design: an intricate and often symmetrical design incorporating curves, geometric patterns, leaves, flowers, and animal shapes

3. music classical music with ornate melody: a piece of classical music characterized by decorative melodies, especially one written for solo piano

[Early 17th century. Via French< Italian arabesco "in the Arabian style"]
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