Definitions

xún used in 嶙峋[lín xún]

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

is a phonosemantic compound: the radical (mountain) indicates the meaning relates to topography, while (xún) provides the sound. It describes steep, jagged, and rugged mountain peaks and ridges. The character rarely appears on its own; it is almost always part of the compound 嶙峋 (línxún), which evokes harsh, uneven landscapes like precipitous cliffs and barren rocks, and can also vividly depict the protruding bones of an emaciated person.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
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Simplified Modern