BYZANTINE | Definition and Meaning

Definition of Byzantine

Byzantine

byz·an·tine

Definition/Meaning

(adjective)

excessively complicated and confounding, with an abundance of administrative detail or deviousness;

e.g. We are overwhelmed with byzantine fiduciary regulations.

(adjective)

of, relating to, or characteristic of the ancient city of Byzantium;

e.g. The painting depicts a dark Byzantine alley in the old city.

(adjective)

of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a style of architecture developed in the Byzantine Empire especially in the fifth and sixth centuries featuring the dome carried on pendentives over a square and incrustation with marble veneering and with colored mosaics on grounds of gold;

e.g. The Byzantine structure of the church was considered a lure for tourists.