xian
xian Lexical Profile
xian Game Scores & Validity
• noun
(capitalized, also spelled Xi'an) The capital city of Shaanxi province in central-northwest China, historically known as Chang'an, which served as the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and is famous for the Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang.
In Taoism and Chinese mythology, an enlightened person, celestial being, or spirit who has achieved immortality and supernatural powers through spiritual cultivation and alchemy.
"Classic Chinese landscape paintings often depict solitary mountains where a legendary xian was believed to dwell."
(usually capitalized as Xian) A written abbreviation for a Christian, formed using the Greek letter chi (X) to stand for Christ.
"In his handwritten notes, the scholar frequently used the abbreviation Xian to save space."
• adjective
(usually capitalized as Xian) Relating to or characteristic of Christians or Christianity; used as a written abbreviation for Christian.
"The forum discussion focused on early Xian theology and historical manuscripts."
Word Nuance & Usage
Depending on capitalization and context, "Xian" (or "Xi'an") refers to the major historical city in northwestern China, serves as an informal shorthand for "Christian" (using the Greek letter chi, X, to represent Christ), or in lowercase ("xian") denotes a Taoist transcendent or immortal.