masterpiece

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A work of art or skill that is outstanding and widely admired.

   The painting is considered a masterpiece of the Renaissance.

2. 2
   noun

   The greatest work of a person's career.

   This novel is generally regarded as the writer's masterpiece.

From master + piece, a calque of Dutch meesterstuk or German Meisterstück (“masterpiece”). Piecewise doublet of maestropiece and masterstick. Compare also journeyman's piece.

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