I. |ōrē|ent ə l, |ȯr- adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin orientalis of or belonging to the East, from orient-, oriens, n., orient + -alis -al
1. often capitalized : of, relating to, or situated in the Orient — compare occidental
2.
a. : of superior grade, luster, or value — used of pearls and other precious stones; compare occidental 3
b. : glowing
c. sometimes capitalized : being corundum or sapphire but simulating another gem in color
oriental amethyst
oriental aquamarine
oriental emerald
3. often capitalized : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of Orientals
maintain … an oriental politeness and a set smile which nothing can dispel or penetrate — Joseph Chiari
4. usually capitalized : of, relating to, or constituting the biogeographic realm or region that includes Asia south and southeast of the Himalayas and the Malay archipelago west of Wallace's line
• ori·en·tal·ly - ə lē, - ə li adverb
II. noun
( -s )
Usage: usually capitalized
1. orientals plural , obsolete : oriental languages
2. : a member of one of the indigenous peoples of the Orient (as a Chinese, Indian, or Japanese)
III. ˌōreˌen.ˈtäl noun
( plural ori·en·ta·les -äˌlās)
Usage: usually capitalized
Etymology: American Spanish, from Spanish, adjective, easterner, from Latin orientalis
: uruguayan