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Glite Dictionary
Hsuan Chiao

Hsuan Chiao

9.9
A Chinese religious system based on the teachings of Lao-tzu that involves many gods, alchemy, and fortune-telling
  • noun
  • Archaic
: Hsuan Chiao
  • The principles of Hsuan Chiao influence Chinese art, medicine, and philosophy even today.

Examples

  • Alchemical experiments were a significant part of Hsuan Chiao's religious practices.

  • Many scholars study Hsuan Chiao to understand traditional Chinese beliefs and practices.

  • Many practitioners study Hsuan Chiao for its spiritual teachings.

  • The principles of Hsuan Chiao emphasize harmony with nature.

  • Many scholars study Hsuan Chiao to understand traditional Chinese beliefs and practices.

  • Alchemical experiments were a significant part of Hsuan Chiao's religious practices.

  • The principles of Hsuan Chiao influence Chinese art, medicine, and philosophy even today.

Synonyms

Taoism
vsHsuan Chiao
2 7.1

A Chinese way of thinking and religion that teaches living in harmony with nature

is more popular and focuses on many gods, alchemy, divination and magic

Surface Forms

Hsuan Chiao singular
Hsuan Chiaos plural

Morphology

Hsuan + Chiao

Hsuan Chiao is a transliterated proper name from Chinese whose constituents are not English words (dictionary entries are missing), so a B1 learner who 'knows' the parts would not be able to derive the labeled meaning of a religious/philosophical system. The sense is language- and culture-specific rather than compositionally built from known English morphemes, making it unpredictable without prior exposure.

Etymology

Hsuan Chiao may come from the words Hsuan and Chiao, which mean 'mysterious' and 'teaching', so the name gives the picture of a 'mysterious teaching' or hidden way. People who followed Hsuan Chiao practiced many gods, alchemy and divination, so today the name refers to that Chinese religious and philosophical system.