Ryukyu

Alternative forms

• Loochoo, Lewchew
• RyÅ«kyÅ«

Origin

From Japanese 琉球, from Middle Chinese 流求 (ljuw-gjuw, a Chinese exonym for the island kingdom, of unclear origin) (compare Mandarin Liúqiú 琉球).

Full definition of Ryukyu

Proper noun

1. A chain of islands roughly between Kyushu and Taiwan.