[re.nais.sance] n, often attrib [F, fr. MF, rebirth, fr. renaistre to be born again, fr. L renasci, fr. re- + nasci to be born--more at nation] (1845) 1 cap a: the transitional movement in Europe between medieval and modern times beginning in the 14th century in Italy, lasting into the 17th century, and marked by a humanistic revival of classical influence expressed in a flowering of the arts and literature and by the beginnings of modern science b: the period of the Renaissance c: the neoclassic style of architecture prevailing during the Renaissance
2. often cap: a movement or period of vigorous artistic and intellectual activity
3: rebirth, revival