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grotesque

Pronunciation: /ɡɹəʊˈtɛsk/

The English word “grotesque” has 7 meanings listed here.

adjective

  1. Distorted and unnatural in shape or size; abnormal, especially in a hideous way.
  2. Disgusting or otherwise viscerally revolting.
  3. Sans serif.

noun

  1. A style of ornamentation characterized by fanciful combinations of intertwined forms.
  2. Anything grotesque.
  3. A sans serif typeface.

verb

  1. To make grotesque.

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French grotesque, from Italian grottesco, from grotta (“cave”) + -esco (relational suffix). By surface analysis, grotto + -esque. Compare French grotesque, English grotto.

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