'Renaissance' definitions:

Definition of 'Renaissance'

(from WordNet)
noun
The period of European history at the close of the Middle Ages and the rise of the modern world; a cultural rebirth from the 14th through the middle of the 17th centuries [syn: Renaissance, Renascence]
noun
The revival of learning and culture [syn: rebirth, Renaissance, Renascence]

Definition of 'Renaissance'

From: GCIDE
  • Renaissance \Re*nais`sance"\ (F. re-n[asl]`s[aum]Ns"; E. r[-e]-n[=a]s"sans), n. [F., fr. rena[^i]tre to be born again. Cf. Renascence.] A new birth, or revival. Specifically: (a) The transitional movement in Europe, marked by the revival of classical learning and art in Italy in the 15th century, and the similar revival following in other countries. (b) The style of art which prevailed at this epoch. [1913 Webster]
  • The Renaissance was rather the last stage of the Middle Ages, emerging from ecclesiastical and feudal despotism, developing what was original in mediaeval ideas by the light of classic arts and letters. --J. A. Symonds (Encyc. Brit.). [1913 Webster]