Definition of: grotesque

(grō·tesk′) noun
1. The incongruous, fantastic, or uncouth in art; specifically, painting or sculpture combining human and animal forms with foliage, wreaths, etc.
2. Any disproportionate or ludicrous person, figure, or design.
—adjective
1. Incongruously composed or ill-proportioned; fantastic; ludicrously or whimsically odd or extravagant.
2. Containing or comprised of incongruous or fantastic details; pertaining to grotesques. See synonyms under FANCIFUL, ODD, RIDICULOUS. [<F <Ital. grottesco <grotta a grotto, excavation; with ref. to works of art found in excavations of ancient houses]
—gro·tesque′ness noun