also: せいびょう
noun
elite troops; picked soldiers
Refers to a select group of highly capable soldiers, often in historical or military contexts.
将軍は精兵を率いて敵陣に突入した。
The general led his elite troops into the enemy camp.
精鋭 is more common in modern Japanese and can refer to elite members of any group, not just soldiers.
Compound of 精 (select, refined) and 兵 (soldier). The reading せいへい is the standard on'yomi combination; せいびょう is a less common variant.