rococo

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun fanciful but graceful asymmetric ornamentation in art and architecture that originated in France in the 18th century
adjective having excessive asymmetrical ornamentation

Borrowed from French rococo.

In this, as in Hamlet, there are the rococo excrescences--yourselves, let us say. — The innocence of Father Brown, G. K. (Gilbert Keith) Chesterton
Under it, the building entrance was gilded and carved into fantastic rococo shapes. — Supermind, Randall Garrett
At times he would distend himself with pneumatic vestments in the rococo vein. — Tales of Space and Time, H. G. (Herbert George) Wells

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