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Glite Dictionary
Moorish architecture

Moorish architecture

8.1
A style of building in Spain with horseshoe arches, detailed tiles, and repeating geometric shapes
  • noun
  • /ˈmʊrɪʃ ˌɑːrkɪˈtɛkʧər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : arquitectura morisca
  • Many famous buildings in Spain, such as the Alhambra, showcase the beauty of Moorish architecture.

Examples

  • Not only has Opa-Locka had an unusually interesting history, but also today it has the largest collection of Moorish architecture in the western hemisphere.

    Academic text (2009)

  • Moorish architecture is known for its distinctive Moorish architecture, characterized by its horseshoe arches and intricate tilework.

  • The city is filled with examples of Moorish architecture that reflect its rich Islamic heritage.

Synonyms

Moresque
vsMoorish architecture
  • Formal
9.9

Having the style of art and buildings made by the Moors

is the specific Spanish historic architectural style with arches tiles and geometric patterns
mauresque
vsMoorish architecture
  • Specialized
9.9

Relating to the art and buildings of the Moors in Spain or North Africa

is the specific Spanish historic architectural style with arches tiles and geometric patterns

Surface Forms

Moorish architecture singular
Moorish architectures plural

Morphology

Moorish + architecture

The phrase is compositionally built from 'Moorish' (pertaining to the Moors) + 'architecture' (building style), so a learner who knows both words can infer it denotes the style of architecture associated with the Moors. While finer historical details (dates, characteristic features) require background knowledge, the basic meaning is directly derivable and cross-linguistically expressed in similar adjective+noun patterns.

Etymology

Moorish architecture comes from the Moors, people from North Africa who lived in Spain long ago and built palaces with curved 'horseshoe' arches and colorful tile patterns. That's why Moorish architecture now means buildings with those curved arches, decorated tiles, and repeating shapes.