# Mao

/ˈmaʊ/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mao
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. biochemistry

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

Stands for monoamine oxidase. It is a type of chemical in your body that helps break down certain signals in the brain.

For teachers: Abbreviation for monoamine oxidase. An enzyme involved in the degradation of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine; often discussed in the context of antidepressant medication.

- The doctor explained how the new medicine affects the MAO in his brain.
- The patient was cautioned against consuming aged cheeses while taking MAO inhibitors due to the risk of a hypertensive crisis.

Usage: Usually written in all capitals as MAO.

### 2. the card game

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

a card game where the rules are not told to new players, who must learn them by playing.

For teachers: a shedding-type card game characterized by a rule prohibiting the explanation of its mechanics to new participants.

- We spent the whole night playing Mao and trying to guess the rules.
- The game of Mao often leads to frustration for beginners because the only rule they are told is that no rules may be explained.

### 3. the Chinese leader

noun · CEFR B2

a famous Chinese leader who was the head of the Communist Party of China.

For teachers: a reference to Mao Zedong, the Chinese communist revolutionary who became the founding father of the People's Republic of China.

- In history class, we studied the life and influence of Mao.
- The political theories of Mao had a profound impact on the development of twentieth-century revolutionary movements across the globe.

## Examples

- The silver mao has beautiful dark spots on its fur.
- The breeder explained that the mao is one of the fastest domestic cat breeds due to its unique leg structure.
- While many spotted cats are the result of crossbreeding, the mao is a primitive breed whose distinctive markings appear naturally without human intervention.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.