elegant
(From Mathematics) Combining simplicity, power, and a certain ineffable grace of
design. Higher praise than "clever", "winning" or even cuspy.
The French aviator, adventurer, and author Antoine de Saint-Exup'ery, probably
best known for his classic children's book "The Little Prince", was also an
aircraft designer. He gave us perhaps the best definition of engineering
elegance when he said "A designer knows he has achieved perfection not when
there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away."
[Jargon File]
(1994-11-29)
Nearby terms:
electron model « electron tube « Electrostatic
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elegant » element » elephant » elephantine
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