n. & adj.
--n. the Semitic language of the Arabs, now spoken in much of N. Africa and the Middle East.
--adj. of or relating to Arabia (esp. with reference to language or literature).
Phrases and idioms:
arabic numeral any of the numerals 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 (cf. roman numeral).
Etymology: ME f. OF arabic f. L arabicus f. Gk arabikos