Counterpendent

/ˌkaʊntərˈpendənt/ adjective

Definition

Hanging or suspended in opposite directions from a central point; opposite in suspension or attachment.

Etymology

From counter- (opposite) + pendent (from Latin pendere, 'to hang'). Architectural and structural term describing objects suspended in opposed directions.

Kelly Says

Counterpendent designs appear in suspension bridges and mobiles—when weights hang in opposite directions from the same point, they create perfect balance, which is why Alexander Calder's famous mobiles use this principle.

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