I. ˈärt, ərt
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English eart; akin to Old Norse est, ert (thou) art, Old English is is
archaic present second singular of be
II. ˈärt noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin art-, ars — more at arm
Date: 13th century
1. : skill acquired by experience, study, or observation
the art of making friends
2.
a. : a branch of learning:
(1) : one of the humanities
(2) plural : liberal arts
b. archaic : learning , scholarship
3. : an occupation requiring knowledge or skill
the art of organ building
4.
a. : the conscious use of skill and creative imagination especially in the production of aesthetic objects ; also : works so produced
b.
(1) : fine arts
(2) : one of the fine arts
(3) : a graphic art
5.
a. archaic : a skillful plan
b. : the quality or state of being artful
6. : decorative or illustrative elements in printed matter
Synonyms:
art , skill , cunning , artifice , craft mean the faculty of executing well what one has devised. art implies a personal, unanalyzable creative power
the art of choosing the right word
skill stresses technical knowledge and proficiency
the skill of a glassblower
cunning suggests ingenuity and subtlety in devising, inventing, or executing
a mystery plotted with great cunning
artifice suggests technical skill especially in imitating things in nature
believed realism in film could be achieved only by artifice
craft may imply expertness in workmanship
the craft of a master goldsmith
III. adjective
Date: 1868
: produced as an artistic effort or for decorative purposes
an art film
art dolls
art music
IV. abbreviation
1. article
2. artificial
3. artillery