abhinaya

noun

abhi·​na·​ya

əˈbinəyə

plural -s

: the expressive use of face or hands characteristic of the kathakali dance style of India

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Sanskrit abhinayaḥ "acting, dramatic action," noun derivative of abhinayati "he leads toward, brings near, represents dramatically," from abhi "to, toward" + nayati "he leads"

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

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