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