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impressionism

im·pres·sion·ism [ im présh'n ìzzəm ] or Im·pres·sion·ism [ im présh'n ìzzəm ]


noun 
Definition:
 
1. school of painting: a style of painting that concentrates on the general tone and effect produced by a subject, without elaboration of details. Monet and Renoir were practitioners of impressionism.

2. music expressing impressions and feelings: a style of music, especially of late 19th-century France, characterized by the use of rich harmonies and tones rather than form to express scenes or emotions. Debussy and Ravel were practitioners of impressionism.

[Late 19th century. < French impressionisme]
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