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morisco

Moorish

adjective moh-RREES-koh Rare
Arts & Culture Traditions

Origin: From moro, 'Moor,' + diminutive -isco.

Also means

Morisco (historical Spanish Muslim)

Usage Note

Morisco refers specifically to the Muslims who remained in Spain after the Reconquista and nominally converted to Christianity — distinct from moro (Moor, a broader term) and árabe (Arab). The moriscos were definitively expelled from Spain between 1609 and 1614. In art and architecture, morisco describes decorative styles influenced by Moorish culture, similar to mudéjar.

Examples

"El arte morisco influyó profundamente en la arquitectura española."

Natural Translation

Moorish art profoundly influenced Spanish architecture.

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