Definitions

lǒng (noun) ridge between fields; crop row; grave mound

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Simplified form of .

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "垄", with its traditional form "壟", structurally integrates the earth radical "土" and the component "龍" (simplified as "龙"), which historically functioned as a phonetic element. Its etymology traces back to an agricultural context, where it specifically referred to a raised earthen ridge between fields, serving as a boundary or path. This concrete meaning later expanded to include burial mounds, maintaining the core idea of an elevated earthwork. Over centuries, the character underwent a semantic shift into economic discourse, notably in the compound "垄断", where it metaphorically denotes exclusive control or monopoly, drawing from the concept of dominating a heightened position. The structural composition, whether in traditional or simplified form, consistently anchors the character's meanings to notions of elevation and earth, despite the evolution from a physical feature to an abstract economic term.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Warring States (~300 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

农民在田间劳作。

Nóngmín zài tiánlǒng jiān láozuò.

The farmers are working among the ridges in the field.

这片田很整齐。

Zhè piàn tiánlǒng hěn zhěngqí.

These ridges in the field are very neat.

这家公司断了市场。

Zhè jiā gōngsī lǒngduàn le shìchǎng.

This company has monopolized the market.

上的庄稼长势很好。

Lǒng shàng de zhuāngjia zhǎngshì hěn hǎo.

The crops on the ridges are growing very well.

技术断阻碍了创新。

Jìshù lǒngduàn zǔ'àile chuàngxīn.

Technological monopoly hinders innovation.

古代农民用作来增产。

Gǔdài nóngmín yòng lǒngzuò lái zēng chǎn.

Ancient farmers used ridge farming to increase production.

断法是为了保护竞争。

Fǎn lǒngduàn fǎ shì wèile bǎohù jìngzhēng.

Anti-monopoly laws are designed to protect competition.

他试图在行业中形成断地位。

Tā shìtú zài hángyè zhōng xíngchéng lǒngduàn dìwèi.

He is trying to establish a monopoly position in the industry.