Main Entry:

ori·en·tal

Pronunciation:

\ˌȯr-ē-ˈen-t^əl\

Function:

adjective

Date:

14th century

1often capitalized : of, relating to, or situated in Asia2 a: of superior grade, luster, or value b: being corundum or sapphire but simulating another gem in color3often capitalized sometimes offensive : Asian4capitalized : of, relating to, or constituting the biogeographic region that includes Asia south and southeast of the Himalayas and the Malay Archipelago west of Wallace's line

— ori·en·tal·ly \-t^əl-ē\ adverb