[common; from mathematical usage] 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-Exupéry,
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."
[glossary]
[Reference(s) to this entry by made by: {airplane rule}{creeping elegance}{elvish}{flavorful}{insanely great}{Perl}{taste}]