noun
shen
SHEHN
noun
1
In Chinese folk religion, a spirit or deity.
"Offerings were left at the shrine to honour the local shen."
2
In Chinese mythology, a shapeshifting sea monster (sometimes imagined as a dragon or giant clam) said to conjure mirages over water.
"Sailors blamed the strange mirage on the shen said to haunt the strait."
How to Use Shen
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA spirit or mythical shapeshifting sea creature from Chinese tradition.
Word Forms
shens plural, shen plural, shens plural, shen plural, Shens plural
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Offerings were left at the shrine to honour the local _____.
Etymology
From the romanization of the Mandarin word for this class of spirit or mythical creature; also a common Chinese surname with several distinct origins.