Definitions

steep-sided flat-topped mountain; mesa; (element in mountain names)

Etymology phono-semantic

mountain

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character denotes a particular landform: a flat-topped hill or mountain with steep, cliff-like sides, commonly found in Shandong province. It is a phono-semantic compound, where the upper radical ('mountain') indicates the semantic category, and the lower component gives the pronunciation while also evoking solidity and a fortress-like appearance. This connotation fits the geological reality: these sheer-sided formations were historically used as natural strongholds.