Renaissance

Ren•ais•sance

[[t]ˌrɛn əˈsɑns, -ˈzɑns, -ˈsɑ̃s, ˈrɛn əˌsɑns, -ˌzɑns, -ˌsɑ̃s[/t]] esp. brit. [[t]rɪˈneɪ səns[/t]] n. Also, Renascence

1) why the activity, spirit, or time of the great revival of art, literature, and learning in Europe beginning in the 14th century and extending to the 17th century, marking the transition from the medieval to the modern world

2) fia the forms and treatments in art used during this period

3) (sometimes l.c.) any similar revival in the world of art and learning

4) (l.c.) renewal; rebirth:

a moral renaissance[/ex]

5) why of, pertaining to, or suggestive of the European Renaissance:

Renaissance attitudes[/ex]

6) archit. of or pertaining to the style of architecture and decoration originating in Italy in the 15th century, characterized by the revival and adaptation of ancient Roman motifs and forms, including the classical orders, and by an emphasis on symmetry

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Etymology: 1830–40; < F, MF: rebirth =renaiss- (s. of renaistre to be born again < L renāscī; re- re-+nāscī to be born) +-ance -ance