jinn

[jin] /dʒɪn/

noun, plural jinns (especially collectively) jinn. Islamic Mythology

any of a class of spirits, lower than the angels, capable of appearing in human and animal forms and influencing humankind for either good or evil.

Also, jinni

[ji-nee, jin-ee] /dʒɪˈni, ˈdʒɪn i/ (Show IPA), djin, djinn, djinni, jin.

Origin

1675-85; plural of Arabic jinnī demon

Can be confused

gin, jinn.

British Dictionary definitions for jinni

jinni

/dʒɪˈniː; ˈdʒɪnɪ/

noun (pl) jinn, djinn (dʒɪn)

a being or spirit in Muslim belief who could assume human or animal form and influence man by supernatural powers

Word Origin

C17: from Arabic

/dʒɪn/

noun

(often functioning as sing) the plural of jinni

Word Origin and History for jinni

1680s, djen, from Arabic jinn, collective plural, "demons, spirits, angels." The proper singular is jinni. Cf. genie.