A performer, especially a dancer or actor, who plays a minor role in a ballet, opera, or theatrical production.
From French 'figurant' (a figure or supernumerary), derived from Latin 'figurare' (to figure, to shape). The French added '-ant' (masculine agent noun suffix) to create a term for someone who fills a role in dance or theater.
In ballet, a figurant is basically a 'human prop'—they might be part of a crowd scene or background dancers, and while their role is small, their synchronized movement is crucial to the overall visual picture of the performance.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.