grotesque
UK /ɡɹəʊˈtɛsk/ · US /ɡɹoʊˈtɛsk/ adjective, noun, verb
Forms grotesquer grotesquest grotesques grotesquing grotesqueing grotesqued
- adjective Distorted and unnatural in shape or size; abnormal, especially in a hideous way.
- adjective Disgusting or otherwise viscerally revolting.
- adjective (typography) Sans serif.
- noun A style of ornamentation characterized by fanciful combinations of intertwined forms.
- noun Anything grotesque.
- noun (typography) A sans serif typeface.
- verb (transitive) To make grotesque.
Synonyms
Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French grotesque, from Italian grottesco, from grotta (“cave”) + -esco (relational suffix). By surface analysis, grotto + -esque. Compare French grotesque, English grotto.
Webster’s 1913
- adjective Like the figures found in ancient grottoes; grottolike; wildly or strangely formed; whimsical; extravagant; of irregular forms and proportions; fantastic; ludicrous; antic. "Grotesque design." Dryden.
- noun A whimsical figure, or scene, such as is found in old crypts and grottoes. Dryden.
- noun Artificial grotto-work.
Etymology [F., fr. It. grottesco, fr. grotta grotto. See Grotto.]
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “grotesque”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details