yen-shee

noun

ˈyen-ˈshē How to pronounce yen-shee (audio)
: the residue formed in the bowl of an opium pipe by smoking

Word History

Etymology

Chinese (Guangdong) yīn-sí, from yīn opium + sí excrement, filth

First Known Use

circa 1882, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of yen-shee was circa 1882

Browse Nearby Words

Yenisey
yen-shee
yenta
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Cite this Entry

“Yen-shee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yen-shee. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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