About
卟 is a phono-semantic compound with the semantic radical 口 (mouth) on the left and the phonetic component 卜 (to divine) on the right. In modern usage, it primarily functions as a phonetic transcription in organic chemistry, representing the "por-" sound in porphyrin. This chemical application, using 口 for transliteration, distinguishes its contemporary scientific role from any historical phonetic origins.
Etymology Hide
