ornamentation
Added visual flourish
Ornamentation is decoration—the addition of elements that embellish rather than serve a structural purpose.
In architecture, ornamentation includes carved details, moldings, and decorative flourishes.
In music, ornamentation refers to notes added to a melody for expressive effect: trills, grace notes, runs.
The word can carry a slightly dismissive tone, implying something is merely decorative: The speech was full of rhetorical ornamentation but short on substance.
Suspended jewelry ornament
- broochDecorative fastening ornament
- necklaceNeck-worn ornament
- braceletOrnamental wrist band
- earringsJewelry worn on lobes
tiara · bangles · locket · charms · cufflinks · beads · sequins · gemstones
Flowing ornamental design
- scrollworkSpiral ornamental design
- rococoExcessively elaborate in style
- baroqueExcessively ornate or elaborate
- flourishTo grow vigorously
frill · filigree · intarsia · acanthus · grotesque · chinoiserie · trompe-l'oeil · meander
Ornamental upper trim
- friezeOrnamental architectural band
- capitalWealth used for investment
- keystoneArch's central locking stone
- balustradeRail supported by posts
pilaster · pediment · gargoyle · volutes · entablature · architrave · tracery · finial
Decorative woven wall cloth
- chandelierDecorative suspended light fixture
- sconceMounted light fixture
- figurineSmall ornamental sculpture
- garlandDecorative strand of foliage
wreath · mosaic · marquetry · stencil · fresco · drapery · vase · wallpaper
Decorative stitching on fabric
- brocadeRaised-pattern luxury fabric
- laceOpen-weave ornamental fabric
- beadworkStrung ornament craft
- appliquéCutout stitched onto fabric
smocking · crewelwork · tatting · rickrack · piping · fringe · tassel · ruffle
Rapid pitch oscillation
- mordentRapid neighbor-note embellishment
- turnRotational movement
- glissandoRapid pitch sweep
- vibratoOscillating pitch effect
portamento · melisma · cadenza · arpeggio · roulade · shake · embellishment · diminution
pendant
Suspended jewelry ornament
earrings · tiara · bangles · locket · charms · cufflinks · beads · sequins · gemstones · pearls
arabesque
Flowing ornamental design
- scrollworkSpiral ornamental design
- rococoExcessively elaborate in style
- baroqueExcessively ornate or elaborate
flourish · frill · filigree · intarsia · acanthus · grotesque · chinoiserie · trompe-l'oeil · meander · guilloche
cornice
Ornamental upper trim
- friezeOrnamental architectural band
- capitalWealth used for investment
- keystoneArch's central locking stone
balustrade · pilaster · pediment · gargoyle · volutes · entablature · architrave · tracery · finial · molding
tapestry
Decorative woven wall cloth
- chandelierDecorative suspended light fixture
- sconceMounted light fixture
- figurineSmall ornamental sculpture
garland · wreath · mosaic · marquetry · stencil · fresco · drapery · vase · wallpaper · curtain
embroidery
Decorative stitching on fabric
appliqué · smocking · crewelwork · tatting · rickrack · piping · fringe · tassel · ruffle · trim
trill
Rapid pitch oscillation
vibrato · portamento · melisma · cadenza · arpeggio · roulade · shake · embellishment · diminution · figuration
regalia
Ceremonial emblems of authority
- insigniaDistinguishing mark of rank
- medalsAwards for achievement
- scepterCeremonial staff of sovereignty
crown · headdress · mantle · robes · sash · epaulettes · coronet · pageantry · coronation · investiture
- classical musicBach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Brahms
- designdesign principles, functionality, emphasis, unity, graphic design
- Beautifyingmakeover, decoration, embellishment, beautification, enhancement
- musicianshipsinging, playing, performing, practicing, harmonizing
- ornamentationembellishment, embellishments, decoration, flourishes, flourish
- tackinesstackiness, gaudiness, garishness, tawdriness, trashiness
ornamentationdisfigurement
Marred physical appearance
defacement · blemish · scar · marring · disfiguration
ornamentationplainness
Unadorned, straightforward quality
simplicity · minimalism · austerity · bareness · starkness