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bal·let

(bă-lā, bălā′)

1. A classical dance form characterized by grace and precision of movement and by elaborate formal gestures, steps, and poses.

2. A theatrical presentation of group or solo dancing to a musical accompaniment, usually with costume and scenic effects, conveying a story or theme.

3. A musical composition written or used for this dance form.

[French, from Italian balletto, diminutive of ballo, dance, from ballare, to dance; see BALLERINA.]

bal·letic (bă-lĕtĭk) adj.

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ballet

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

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Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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