Final answer:
The French word 'fauve,' which means 'wild beast,' is the origin of the term fauvism, a style of art characterized by bold colors and expressive brushwork associated with artists like Henri Matisse and André Derain.
Therefore, option A is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The word fauvism originates from the French word fauve, which means 'wild beast'. This term was used to describe the works of a group of early 20th-century modern artists who were known for their bold, vibrant colors and expressive style. The critical reception to their work at the 1905 Salon d'Automne was such that the critic Louis Vauxcelles referred to them as 'Les Fauves' or 'wild beasts', a name that stuck and became representative of their movement. Leaders of this movement, such as Henri Matisse and André Derain, emphasized painterly qualities and strong color in their art, rebelling against the more realistic values retained by Impressionism. Fauvism was a significant influence in the development of modern art, even though it was a relatively short-lived movement.