阉
castrate; eunuch
Meanings
2 senses · 10 examplesverb
to castrate; to spay
technicalMost commonly used for farm animals like chickens and pigs, formal/technical usage for humans is rare and offensive.
Farmers castrate chickens to improve meat quality and egg production.
In traditional pig farming, castrating pigs is a common breeding step.
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Vets help farmers castrate cattle to improve their temperament.
This ancient sheep castration technique is rarely used now.
Scientists in the lab study the effects of castration on animal endocrine systems.
noun
eunuch; court official castrated for palace service
literaryLiterary and historical usage, carries derogatory connotations when referring to political cliques of eunuchs.
In the late Ming Dynasty, eunuch cliques seized power and caused political chaos.
The Qing court strictly limited the power of eunuch officials.
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History books record many stories of eunuchs holding power.
During the Eastern Han Dynasty, the power of eunuch cliques once expanded.
Ancient Korean courts had similar systems of eunuch officials.