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noun Common

yu

yoo
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Yu (noun) means an ornate bronze wine vessel used in ancient China, often fitted with a decorative lid. Example: “The bronze yu had a lid shaped like a bird.”

noun
1
An ornate bronze wine vessel used in ancient China, often fitted with a decorative lid.
"The bronze yu had a lid shaped like a bird."
"Archaeologists found an ancient yu buried beside the tomb."
"The museum displayed a bronze yu dating back to the Shang dynasty."
2
Jade, or jade-like stone such as nephrite or jadeite, prized in Chinese culture.
"Collectors prize yu for its smooth surface and soft green colour."
"She wore a pendant carved from pale yu."
"The carving was made from fine yu, polished to a deep green shine."

How to use yu

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA term borrowed from Chinese, referring either to an ancient bronze wine vessel or to jade stone.

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Word forms

Plural
yus
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Fill the gap

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The bronze _____ had a lid shaped like a bird.

Etymology

Borrowed from Chinese 玉 (yù), meaning "jade."

Origin: Chinese

jade nephrite jadeite wine vessel bronze vessel You Yuu Yū

Related words

Rhymes for yu

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Frequently asked questions

What does “yu” mean?
The word “yu” means an ornate bronze wine vessel used in ancient China, often fitted with a decorative lid. In plain terms, a term borrowed from Chinese, referring either to an ancient bronze wine vessel or to jade stone.
How do you pronounce “yu”?
“Yu” is pronounced yoo (/juː/ in IPA).
How do you use “yu” in a sentence?
Here is “yu” used in a sentence: “The museum displayed a bronze yu dating back to the Shang dynasty.”
What is another word for “yu”?
Words with a similar meaning to “yu” include You, Yuu and Yū.
What part of speech is “yu”?
“Yu” is a noun.
Where does the word “yu” come from?
The word “yu” comes from Chinese. Borrowed from Chinese 玉 (yù), meaning "jade.".
Is “yu” a common word?
“Yu” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “yu” have?
“Yu” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an ornate bronze wine vessel used in ancient China, often fitted with a decorative lid.
What is the difference between the two meanings of yu?
In one sense, yu is an ornate bronze wine vessel from ancient China, often fitted with a decorative lid. In another, yu refers to jade or a jade-like stone such as nephrite or jadeite prized in Chinese culture.
What was a yu vessel used for in ancient China?
A yu was used as a container for wine. It was typically made of bronze, ornately decorated, and often had a fitted lid.
Is yu a type of jade?
In one of its meanings, yes. Yu can refer to jade or jade-like stone, including nephrite and jadeite, which was highly valued in Chinese culture.

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