yuan

¹

[ yoo-ahn; Chinese yyahn ]

noun

, plural yu·an.

1. Also called yuan dollar. a copper coin of the Republic of China, equal to 100 cents; dollar.
2. a paper money, brass or cupronickel coin, and monetary unit of the People's Republic of China, equal to 10 jiao or 100 fen.

Yuan

²

[ yoo-ahn; Chinese yyahn ]

noun

, (sometimes lowercase)

1. (in the Republic of China) a department of government; council.

Yüan

³

[ yoo-ahn; Chinese yyahn ]

noun

1. the Mongol dynasty in China, 1260–1368, founded by Kublai Khan.
2. Yuan.

Yüan

¹

/ ˈjuːˈɛn; ˈjuːˈæn /

noun

1. a river in SE central China, rising in central Guizhou province and flowing northeast to Lake Tungting. Length: about 800 km (500 miles)

Yüan

²

/ ˈjuːˈæn /

noun

1. the imperial dynasty of China from 1279 to 1368

adjective

1. of or relating to the Chinese porcelain produced during the Yüan dynasty, characterized by the appearance of under-glaze blue-and-white ware

yuan

³

/ ˈjuːˈæn /

noun

1. the standard monetary unit of China, divided into 10 jiao and 100 fen Also calledrenminbirenminbi yuan

Word History and Origins

Origin of yuan¹

1915–20; < Chinese yuán literally, round, circular; yen ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of yuan¹

from Chinese yüan round object; see yen ¹