- (in Chinese philosophy and religion) two principles, one negative, dark, and feminine (yin ), and one positive, bright, and masculine (yang ), whose interaction influences the destinies of creatures and things.
- the dual and contrasting aspects or principles of a particular field of activity, thought, etc.: The senator spoke at length about the yin and yang of job cuts and job creation.Experiences and equipment are the yin and yang of road tripping.
- relating to or based on the two opposing principles in Chinese philosophy and religion, one negative, dark, and feminine (yin), and one positive, bright, and masculine (yang): In the classical Chinese conception of the cosmos, physical entities are simply instantiations of yin and yang energy.She practices traditional yin and yang healing.
- being, involving, or encompassing opposite or contrasting elements: This ornament captures yin and yang beauty in shadows formed by light.Yin and yang relationships, like the one between my practical mother and bohemian father, often do well.
- two complementary principles of Chinese philosophy: Yin is negative, dark, and feminine, Yang positive, bright, and masculine. Their interaction is thought to maintain the harmony of the universe and to influence everything within it
