ART

n. 1 a human creative skill or its application. b work exhibiting this. 2 a (in pl.; prec. by the) the various branches of creative activity concerned with the production of imaginative designs, sounds, or ideas, e.g. painting, music, writing, considered collectively. b any one of these branches. 3 creative activity, esp. painting and drawing, resulting in visual representation (interested in music but not art). 4 human skill or workmanship as opposed to the work of nature (art and nature had combined to make her a great beauty). 5 (often foll. by of) a skill, aptitude, or knack (the art of writing clearly; keeping people happy is quite an art). 6 (in pl.; usu. prec. by the) those branches of learning (esp. languages, literature, and history) associated with creative skill as opposed to scientific, technical, or vocational skills. øart and mystery any of the special skills or techniques in a specified area. art deco the predominant decorative art style of the period 1910-30, characterized by precise and boldly delineated geometric motifs, shapes, and strong colours. art form 1 any medium of artistic expression. 2 an established form of composition (e.g. the novel, sonata, sonnet, etc.). art nouveau a European art style of the late 19th century characterized by flowing lines and natural organic forms. art paper smooth-coated high quality paper. arts and crafts decorative design and handicraft. [ME f. OF f. L ars artis]