Cipango
- proper noun
- Archaic
:
Cipango
- There are 45 miles to a degree, so it is 3000 miles from Palos to Cipango, and 2400 miles from the Canaries.
Examples
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In the historical maps of the 15th century, Cipango was marked as an island east of Asia.
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This must be one of the islands of Cipango.
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To India, to the unknown Cipango.
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Then, 500 leagues into the sea, Cipango and many other islands.
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Polo never saw Cipango.
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Beyond Cathay is Cipango.
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Many explorers dreamed of finding Cipango, the fabled land believed to be rich in gold.
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The writings of Marco Polo often refer to Cipango, which he described as a place of great wealth.
Synonyms
725
1.0
A country in East Asia made of many islands known for its culture and technology
5
8.2
The official Japanese name for Japan used often in formal situations
Surface Forms
Etymology
Cipango comes from how early European travelers heard the Asian name for 'Japan', which writers like Marco Polo recorded as Zipangu or Jipang, and mapmakers used that exotic form on old maps. That's why Cipango is an old European name for 'Japan'.