chi

chi · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    (also qi, pronounced /tʃiː/) In Chinese philosophy and medicine, the vital life force or energy that flows through all living things.

  2. 2.

    (pronounced /kaɪ/) The 22nd letter of the Greek alphabet (Χ, χ), used in various scientific and mathematical contexts.

  3. 3.

    (informal) Short for Chicago.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    tai chi — a Chinese martial art and form of meditation involving slow movements
  • •
    chi-square — a statistical test using the chi distribution

Related words

See also: Greek alphabet, energy, qi, tai chi
Synonyms: ki (Japanese), qi, vital energy

Etymology

Sense 1: From Chinese 气/氣 (qì), meaning "breath, air, vital energy." Entered English in the 19th century through writings on Chinese philosophy. Sense 2: From Greek χῖ (khî), the 22nd letter of the Greek alphabet.