mandarin

man-da-rin · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A small citrus fruit with a loose, easily peeled skin and sweet flesh.

  2. 2.

    The standard official form of the Chinese language, based on the Beijing dialect.

  3. 3.

    A high-ranking government official or bureaucrat, especially one who is perceived as powerful or influential.

Forms

plural: mandarins

Related words

Etymology

From Portuguese mandarim, from Malay menteri, ultimately from Sanskrit mantrin (counselor).