Final answer:
The term Renaissance means 'rebirth' and refers to a historical period marked by a cultural flourishing and a return to classical learning and values in Europe, beginning in Italy in the 14th century.
Step-by-step explanation:
The word Renaissance is derived from the French word meaning 'rebirth'. Historically, the term refers to the period in Europe following the Middle Ages, characterized by renewed interest in classical learning, values of ancient Greece and Rome, and a flowering of art, science, literature, and culture. This era, which started in Italy in the 14th century and spread throughout Europe, witnessed the transformative works of artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, explorers like Christopher Columbus and Magellan, and thinkers including Galileo and Copernicus. As a period of intense intellectual and cultural productivity, the Renaissance marked a break from the past and laid the foundation for modern Western civilization.