About
The character 戥 (děng) serves as both a noun and a verb: it names a small, highly calibrated steelyard, and it also means to weigh with such a scale. It combines 星 (xīng, star) on the left and 戈 (gē, a halberd) on the right. The character emerged relatively late and was used by merchants, apothecaries, and jewelers to precisely weigh small quantities of precious metals and medicinal herbs. The star component alludes to the tiny, star-like calibration dots inscribed on the steelyard's horizontal wooden or bone beam, which guide the user to the correct weight.
Report an issue
Flag incorrect definitions, examples, etymology, etc.