top imperial scholar; champion; best in field
Meanings
3 senses · 15 examplesnoun
top graduate of the imperial palace examination (in feudal China)
archaicHistorically refers specifically to the highest scorer in the palace examination during the Tang through Qing dynasties.
He was the top scholar during the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty.
In the Tang Dynasty, the first person to pass the imperial exam was called zhuangyuan.
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This top scholar later became an important court official.
In the imperial examination system, the zhuangyuan was the first place in the palace examination.
There are many famous zhuangyuan in history, such as Wen Tianxiang.
noun
person who achieves the highest score in an examination
neutralModern usage extending the historical meaning to any examination context.
He is the top scorer in the liberal arts section of this year's college entrance exam.
She became the top scorer with a perfect score.
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This class has produced several top scorers in the college entrance exam.
The science top scorer shared her study experience.
Becoming the top scorer doesn't necessarily mean future success.
noun
champion; top expert or best performer in a particular field or industry
neutralMetaphorical extension to any competitive field or industry.
He is the sales champion in our company.
This old craftsman is the top expert in the carpentry industry.
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The chicken farming champion shared his breeding techniques.
Every trade produces its own champion; as long as you work hard, you can succeed.
She is the top surgeon in this hospital.