n.
Pronunciation: ' dau ̇ , ' tau ̇
Function: noun
Etymology: Chinese (Beijing) dào, literally, way
Date: 1736
1 a : the unconditional and unknowable source and guiding principle of all reality as conceived by Taoists b : the process of nature by which all things change and which is to be followed for a life of harmony
2 often not capitalized : the path of virtuous conduct as conceived by Confucians
3 often not capitalized : the art or skill of doing something in harmony with the essential nature of the thing <the Tao of archery>