arabesque
UK[ˌær.əˈbesk]US[ˌer.əˈbesk]
n
A ballet position in which the dancer stands on one leg with the other leg extended horizontally behind and the arms held in a graceful position.
n
An ornamental design consisting of intertwined flowing lines, foliage, and flowers, often found in Islamic art.
Morpheme Breakdown
arab
esque
arab
Arab
esque
in the style of
Etymology
The word 'arabesque' entered English in the early 17th century from the French term, which itself was borrowed from the Italian 'arabesco', meaning 'Arabian in style'. The Italian word is derived from 'Arabo' (Arab), reflecting the European perception of this intricate, scrolling ornament as characteristic of Islamic art from the Arab world. The suffix '-esque' (from Latin '-iscus') denotes a characteristic style, thus the term literally means 'in the Arabian style'. The term's application to a ballet posture, first recorded in the early 19th century, draws a metaphorical connection to the flowing, linear elegance of the artistic design.
Analysis
Structure: arab (Arab) + esque (in the style of)
'arab' is from Latin 'Arabus', meaning 'Arab' or 'of Arabia'. 'esque' is a suffix from Italian via French, meaning 'in the manner or style of'.
Examples
The dancer held a perfect arabesque for several seconds.
The manuscript was decorated with beautiful gold arabesques.
The architecture featured intricate stonework with arabesque patterns.