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Arabeske

arabesque (intricate decorative pattern)

noun ah-rah-BES-kuh Rare

Origin: from Italian arabesco, in Arabic style

Also means

stylised vegetal design motif

Usage Note

Arabeske is an intricate interlaced pattern of flowing, stylised plant forms, originating in Islamic art and adopted in European decorative arts and architecture. Feminine noun; also used metaphorically for anything intricately ornate.

Examples

"Die goldenen Arabesken am Bucheinband zeugen von hoher Buchbinderkunst."

Natural Translation

The golden arabesques on the book cover testify to high bookbinding artistry.

Literal Translation

The golden arabesques on the book-cover testify of high bookbinding-art.

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