li

[ lee ]

/ li /

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noun Music.

the solmization syllable used for the semitone between the sixth and seventh degrees of a scale.

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Origin of li

Alteration of la¹

Other definitions for li (2 of 7)

li²

[ lee ]

/ li /

noun, plural li.

a Chinese unit of distance, equivalent to about one-third of a mile (0.5 km).

Origin of li

First recorded in 1580–90; from Chinese lǐ

Other definitions for li (3 of 7)

li³

[ lee ]

/ li /

noun

(in Chinese ethical philosophy) the etiquette traditionally prescribed for individuals or groups of people in a given situation.

Origin of li

First recorded in 1910–15, from Chinese lǐ

Other definitions for li (4 of 7)

link; links.

Other definitions for li (5 of 7)

[ lee ]

/ li /

noun

a member of an aboriginal people of the island of Hainan in Southeastern China.

the Kadai language of the Li.

Other definitions for li (6 of 7)

Symbol, Chemistry.

lithium.

Other definitions for li (7 of 7)

L.I.

abbreviation

British. light infantry.

Long Island.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use li in a sentence

Among the short poems that constitute the volume called Lis Isclo d'Or are a number of masterpieces.
Frdric Mistral|Charles Alfred Downer
Who will inform us that Scapin bears the fleur de lis on his arms, and who is very glad he does so?
The 'Characters' of Jean de La Bruyre|Jean de La Bruyre
Then was seen on the altar a miter glittering with precious stones, and a large sword ornamented with fleur-de-lis.
Chicot the Jester|Alexandre Dumas, Pere
The long scarlet saddle-cloth, that covered his horse almost wholly, was likewise embroidered in gold fleur-de-lis.
The Pilgrim's Shell or Fergan the Quarryman|Eugne Sue

He would still exclude slave-labour sugar; but on free-labour sugar, the differential duties would be reduced from lis.
The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol.III.|E. Farr and E. H. Nolan

British Dictionary definitions for li (1 of 4)

li¹

/ (liː) /

noun

a Chinese unit of length, approximately equal to 590 yards

Word Origin for li

from Chinese

British Dictionary definitions for li (2 of 4)

li²

the internet domain name for

Liechtenstein

British Dictionary definitions for li (3 of 4)

the chemical symbol for

lithium

British Dictionary definitions for li (4 of 4)

abbreviation for

Long Island

Light Infantry

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for li

The symbol for lithium.