The word **杏仁** (xìngrén), meaning "almond," is a classic example of a Chinese compound word formed through a **modifier-head** structure. It combines the character **杏** (xìng), meaning "apricot," with **仁** (rén), which in this context means "kernel" or "seed." Literally, it translates to "apricot kernel," which is historically and botanically accurate, as the almond is the seed (仁) found within the pit of a specific type of apricot (杏) native to Central Asia. The term thus semantically and logically identifies the edible part by its origin.