pièce de résistance
See also: piece de resistance
English edit
Alternative forms edit
- piece de resistance (more common)
Etymology edit
Borrowed from French pièce de résistance; first use of this word in English appears in 1789 in Richard Cumberland's novel Arundel.
Pronunciation edit
Noun edit
pièce de résistance (plural pièces de résistance)
- A masterpiece; the most memorable accomplishment of one’s career or lifetime.
- Synonyms: magnum opus, masterpiece
- The chief dish at a dinner. [from late 18th c.]
Translations edit
masterpiece
|
Dutch edit
Etymology edit
Borrowed from French pièce de résistance.
Noun edit
pièce de résistance n (plural pièces de résistance)
- masterwork, masterpiece
- The best achievement of an author or artist, representing their major life effort.
- main course of a meal
Synonyms edit
French edit
Etymology edit
Literally, “piece which has staying power”. (This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium. Particularly: “How old is this phrase?”) Cp. keystone
Pronunciation edit
Noun edit
pièce de résistance f (plural pièces de résistance)
Related terms edit
Descendants edit
- → Dutch: pièce de résistance
- → English: pièce de résistance
- → German: Pièce de résistance