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abhinaya

noun
abhi·​na·​ya | \ əˈbinəyə\
plural -s

Definition of abhinaya

: the expressive use of face or hands characteristic of the kathakali dance style of India

First Known Use of abhinaya

1880, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for abhinaya

borrowed from Sanskrit abhinayaḥ “acting, dramatic action,” noun derivative of abhinayati “he leads toward, brings near, represents dramatically,” from abhi “to, toward” + nayati “he leads”

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