noun / verb
flourish
A conspicuous ornamental gesture that attracts attention.
The magician removes his hat with a dramatic flourish.
Etymology
The older verb means to flower. Ornamental use transfers that showy growth to an added gesture or decoration designed to stand out.
More examples
- She flourishes the winning ticket above her head.
- He adds a decorative flourish beneath his signature.
- A trumpet flourish announces the queen's arrival.
Forms
flourish · flourishes · flourished · flourishing