yin
noun
\ ˈyin
\
\
Definition of yin
: the feminine passive principle in nature that in Chinese cosmology is exhibited in darkness, cold, or wetness and that combines with yang to produce all that comes to be
Examples of yin in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
For instance, when the worm embryo is still a single cell, proteins on its outer membrane create two uneven, yin-and-yang-like domains that tell the cell where to split. — Quanta Magazine, "For Embryo’s Cells, Size Can Determine Fate," 12 Aug. 2019 Many Bratislavans fancy themselves the yang to Vienna's yin: If Vienna is a staid, elderly aristocrat sipping coffee, then Bratislava is a vivacious young professional jet-setting around Europe. — Rick Steves, USA TODAY, "Rick Steves: Slovakia’s capital is the fastest-changing city in Europe with remarkable comeback," 2 July 2019 Scangarello needs Freeman’s yin to Lindsay’s yang to keep opponents off tilt. — Kyle Fredrickson, The Denver Post, "Royce Freeman’s physicality a valuable asset in new Broncos’ offense," 22 July 2019 Traditionally, hot-pot vessels—often shaped like a yin-yang wheel—are designed to serve two stocks: one with chilies, one without. — Jiayang Fan, The New Yorker, "Go Bold at Da Long Yi Hot Pot," 25 May 2018 There’s a lot of warmth in I.M., and a sense of domesticity, too; the yang to the yin of Mizrahi’s theatrical sensibility and irrepressible ebullience. — Vogue, "Isaac Mizrahi’s New Memoir, I.M., Is No Frockumentary—And the Better for It," 26 Feb. 2019 The scandal broke in June, when Chinese talk-show host Cui Yongyuan accused Ms. Fan of using a yin-yang contract to evade taxes. — Dominique Fong, WSJ, "Chinese Star Fan Bingbing Fined $70 Million for Tax Evasion," 3 Oct. 2018 The rock-solid rapport among Lisa and her colleagues, with Maci playing the joyous yin to Danyelle’s cynical yang, is the most convincing argument for female solidarity that this or any movie could muster. — Justin Chang, The Seattle Times, "‘Support the Girls’: Regina Hall calls the shots in terrific sports-bar comedy," 27 Aug. 2018 His calling cards: peaceful spaces where discussions flourish (such as this San Francisco living room, below) and evidence of his yin-yang backstory. — Hillary Brown, House Beautiful, "Dan Fink Takes a Scientific Approach to Peaceful Interiors," 19 Oct. 2015These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'yin.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for yin
yin
noun
English Language Learners Definition of yin
in Chinese philosophy
: one of the two forces that together form everything that exists : the female principle of the universe that is considered dark and passive and is associated with earth
See the full definition for yin in the English Language Learners Dictionary
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