xian
[ Chinese shyahn ]
/ Chinese ʃyɑn /
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noun
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Question 1 of 7
Let’s start with some etymology: What are the origins of the typographical word “bracket”?
First appeared around 1750, and is related to the French word “braguette” for the name of codpiece armor.
First appeared in 1610, based on the French word “baguette” for the long loaf of bread.
First appeared in 1555, and is related to the French word “raquette” for a netted bat.
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Definition for xian (2 of 2)
Xian
or Xi'·an
[ shee-ahn ]
/ ˈʃiˈɑn /
noun Pinyin.
a city in and the capital of Shaanxi province, in central China: capital of the ancient Chinese Empire.
Also (Older Spellings) Si·an [see-ahn, shee-], /ˈsiˈɑn, ˈʃi-/, Si·ngan [Chinese see-ngahn] /Chinese ˈsiˈŋɑn/ .
Formerly (Pinyin, Wade-Giles) Chang·an [chahng-ahn] /ˈtʃɑŋˈɑn/ .
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
British Dictionary definitions for xian
Xi'an
Hsian or Sian
/ (ʃjɑːn) /
noun
an industrial city in central China, capital of Shaanxi province: capital of China for 970 years at various times between the 3rd century bc and the 10th century ad; seat of the Northwestern University (1937); famous for Qin dynasty emperor Qinshihuang's tomb (207 bc) with 8000-strong terracotta army. Pop: 3 256 000 (2005 est)Former names: Changan, Siking
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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