stabile

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a sculpture having fixed units (usually constructed of sheet metal) and attached to a fixed support
  2. adjective (chemistry, physics, biology) resistant to change
  3. adjective not able or intended to be moved

Etymology

Coined by German-French artist Jean Arp in 1932 from Latin stabilis (“firmly fixed or established”) to describe the stationary works of Alexander Calder as opposed to his better known mobiles.

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