Definition
引子 (yǐn zi) is a versatile noun with several distinct meanings connected by the idea of 'something that leads in or begins'. In theater and music it refers to an opening piece or an actor's first lines—the 'lead-in' to the main performance. In writing it means a prologue or introductory remarks. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), 引子 is an added ingredient that 'guides' the medicinal formula to a specific part of the body or enhances its effect. The TCM sense is culturally specific and not predictable from the other meanings.
n.
(theater, music) opening lines or introductory musicprologue(writing) introductory remarksprefacelead-in(traditional Chinese medicine) added dose that guides a formula to a target area
Examples
- 引子。Zhè duàn yǐn zi shì zhěng bù xì zuì jīngcǎi de bùfen.This opening piece is the most exciting part of the whole play.
- 引子。Tā zài shū de yǐn zi li jiǎndān jièshào le xiězuò bèijǐng.In the introduction of the book, he briefly described the background of writing.
- 引子。Zhōngyī kāi yào shí cháng yòng shēngjiāng zuò yǐn zi.When prescribing medicine, traditional Chinese doctors often use ginger as a guiding ingredient.
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