Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
ART
I.
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English eart; akin to Old Norse est, ert (thou) art, Old English is is see: be
II. noun see: arm
Date: 13th century
skill acquired by experience, study, or observation ,
2. a branch of learning:, one of the humanities, liberal arts , learning , scholarship , an occupation requiring knowledge or skill ,
4. the conscious use of skill and creative imagination especially in the production of aesthetic objects, b. fine arts, one of the fine arts, a graphic art,
5. a skillful plan, the quality or state of being artful, decorative or illustrative elements in printed matter, Synonyms: see: art
III. adjective
Date: 1868
produced as an artistic effort or for decorative purposes ,
IV. abbreviation article, artificial, artillery