Main Entry:

re·nais·sance

Pronunciation:

\ˌre-nə-ˈsän(t)s, -ˈzän(t)s, -ˈsäⁿs, -ˈzäⁿs, ˈre-nə-ˌ, chiefly British ri-ˈnā-s^ən(t)s\

Function:

noun

Usage:

often attributive

Etymology:

French, from Middle French, rebirth, from Old French renaistre to be born again, from Latin renasci, from re- + nasci to be born — more at nation

Date:

1845

1capitalized a: the transitional movement in Europe between medieval and modern times beginning in the 14th century in Italy, lasting into the 17th century, and marked by a humanistic revival of classical influence expressed in a flowering of the arts and literature and by the beginnings of modern science b: the period of the Renaissance c: the neoclassic style of architecture prevailing during the Renaissance2often capitalized : a movement or period of vigorous artistic and intellectual activity3: rebirth, revival