The Chinese word **冰雪** (bīngxuě) is a **compound word** formed by combining two independent, semantically related characters: **冰** (bīng), meaning "ice," and **雪** (xuě), meaning "snow." This type of formation is known as a **coordinative or parallel compound**, where both elements contribute equally to the meaning, creating a new, broader concept that encompasses the qualities of both—specifically, the cold, solid, crystalline states of frozen water. The combination evokes the holistic imagery and essence of wintry coldness, often used literally for "ice and snow" or metaphorically to describe something as pure, clear, or frigid.