Definition of Arabesque

element of decoration representing floral motifs in stylized form

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(n.)
A style of ornamentation either painted, inlaid, or carved in low relief. It consists of a pattern in which plants, fruits, foliage, etc., as well as figures of men and animals, real or imaginary, are fantastically interlaced or put together.
  

(a.)
Relating to, or exhibiting, the style of ornament called arabesque; as, arabesque frescoes.
  

(a.)
Arabian.
  

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arabesque
\ar`a*besque"\ (&?;), n. [f. arabesque, fr. it. arabesco, fr. arabo arab.] a style of ornamentation either painted, inlaid, or carved in low relief. it consists of a pattern in which plants, fruits, foliage, etc., as well as figures of men and animals, real or imaginary, are fantastically interlaced or put together.
note: it was employed in roman imperial ornamentation, and appeared, without the animal figures, in moorish and arabic decorative art. (see moresque.) the arabesques of the renaissance were founded on greco-roman work.
arabesque
\ar`a*besque"\, a.
1. arabian. [obs.]
2. relating to, or exhibiting, the style of ornament called arabesque; as, arabesque frescoes.

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Noun
1. position in which the dancer has one leg raised behind and arms outstretched in a conventional pose
(hypernym) ballet position
2. an ornament that interlaces simulated foliage in an intricate design
(hypernym) decoration, ornament, ornamentation

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A florid melodic section (the real meaning is a florid element in Arabian architecture). Generally used for characteristic pieces of a more or less casual type.