Main Entry:

¹ba·roque

Pronunciation:

\bə-ˈrōk, ba-, -ˈräk, -ˈrȯk\

Function:

adjective

Usage:

often capitalized

Etymology:

French, from Middle French barroque irregularly shaped (of a pearl), from Portuguese barroco irregularly shaped pearl

Date:

1765

1 : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a style of artistic expression prevalent especially in the 17th century that is marked generally by use of complex forms, bold ornamentation, and the juxtaposition of contrasting elements often conveying a sense of drama, movement, and tension 2 : characterized by grotesqueness, extravagance, complexity, or flamboyance 3 : irregularly shaped —used of gems <a baroque pearl>

— ba·roque·ly adverb