persian
n. C / Un. a person from Iran or the language spoken there. It also refers to a type of cat with long, soft hair.
n. a native or inhabitant of ancient Persia or modern Iran; also the Iranian language (Farsi) or a specific breed of long-haired domestic cat.
She is learning to speak Persian.
The museum features a stunning collection of ancient Persian carpets known for their intricate patterns and vibrant dyes.
Scholars often distinguish between Old Persian and the modern Farsi dialect, noting how the language has evolved over millennia while maintaining its distinct poetic traditions.
From Middle English Persien, from Middle French persien, from Italian persiano, from Medieval Latin Persiānus, from Latin Persia, from Ancient Greek Περσίς (Persís), from Old Persian 𐎱𐎠𐎼𐎿 (p-a-r-s /Pārsa/, “Persia”) (compare Early Classical Persian پارس (pārs) or modern Iranian Persian فارس (fârs), where the shift p > f. Equivalent to Persia + -ian.
From Persius + -ian.
Capitalised in all senses. When referring to the language, it is typically uncountable; when referring to people or cats, it is countable.