n. 1 the revival of art and literature under the influence of classical models in the 14th-16th c. 2 the period of this. 3 the culture and style of art, architecture, etc. developed during this era. 4 (renaissance) any similar revival.
[ F renaissance (as RE-, F naissance birth f. L nascentia or F natre naiss- be born f. Rmc: cf. NASCENT) ]