I. ˈyen noun
( -s )
Etymology: Japanese en circle, yen, from Chinese (Pekingese) yüan 2 round, circle, dollar
1. : the basic monetary unit of Japan — see money table
2. : a coin or note representing one yen
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: obsolete English slang yen-yen craving for opium, from Chinese (Cant) in-yăn, from in opium + yăn craving
1. : an impelling craving for opium or some other narcotic
wanted a fix to get his yen off
2. : a strong desire or propensity : longing
a yen to see the world
: urge
whatever you have a yen to do — ride, swim, or fish — Saturday Night
III. intransitive verb
( yenned ; yenned ; yenning ; yens )
: to desire intensely : long , yearn