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Baroque

The origin and history of Baroque.

Etymology

From French baroque, originally describing an irregularly shaped pearl, likely from Portuguese barroco. Over time it came to describe the ornate, dramatic art style of the 1600s and 1700s, and eventually anything excessively elaborate.

Origin: French · First attested 1600

Class of 1600

Baroque first entered the language around 1600. Other words from the same year:

See the full Class of 1600 →
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Etymology: FreeDict original editorial.