/roh'meuh nesk"/ , adj.
1. noting or pertaining to the style of architecture prevailing in western or southern Europe from the 9th through the 12th centuries, characterized by heavy masonry construction with narrow openings, features such as the round arch, the groin vault, and the barrel vault, and the introduction or development of the vaulting rib, the vaulting shaft, and central and western towers for churches.
2. pertaining to or designating the styles of sculpture, painting, or ornamentation of the corresponding period.
3. ( l.c. ) of or pertaining to fanciful or extravagant literature, as romance or fable; fanciful.
n.
4. the Romanesque style of art or architecture.
[ 1705-15; ROMAN + -ESQUE; cf. F romanesque romantic ]