Sylph refers to an elemental being inhabiting air in Paracelsus's theory, or figuratively to a slender, graceful woman or girl. Originally conceived as air spirits, sylphs are now romantic figures in literature and art.
Sylph se refiere a un ser elemental que habita en el aire según la teoría de Paracelso, o figurativamente a una mujer o niña esbelta y grácil. Originalmente concebidas como espíritus del aire, las sílfides son ahora figuras románticas en la literatura y el arte.
| Front | sylph \SILF\ |
|---|---|
| Back | noun 1. An elemental being in the theory of Paracelsus that inhabits air. 2. A slender graceful woman or girl. [Paracelsus was a man with a vivid imagination. He concocted an elaborate theory of ruling "elemental spirits": gnomes controlled the earth, salamanders fire, undines water, and sylphs (graceful beings whose name in English is from New Latin "sylphus") the air. You would hardly believe this 16th-century German-Swiss physician had his feet on the ground, but those fantastic ideas were balanced with an impressive array of solid medical discoveries. In fact, many of his scientific contributions are still highly respected, but his sylph idea has long since been discounted as fairy-tale fantasy. The creatures remain only as romantic figures of literature, art, and ballet, where diaphanous woodland sylphs are often depicted enchanting unwary males.] "But alluring though the fitness industry looks, it is not without risks. The biggest is Britons' fond self-delusion that they are sleek sylphs." Losing a Beer Belly; The Economist (London, UK); Aug 12, 1995. "Like an ugly duckling which has blossomed into a slender sylph, the compact convertible from Stuttgart has finally added some style to a fair amount of substance." Samuel Ee; New kind of SLeeK; The Business Times (Singapore); Mar 20, 2004. |
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