The word **格子** is a modern compound noun formed by combining the morpheme **格**, which originally means "lattice," "grid," or "square division" (evolving from its classical meanings of "pattern" or "standard"), with the extremely common and often nominalizing suffix **子**. The suffix **子** here does not carry independent meaning but functions to form a concrete, everyday noun. Thus, **格子** literally means "a latticed form" and is used to refer to any checkered pattern, grid, compartment, or cell, such as window panes (**窗格**), grid paper (**格子纸**), or a pigeonhole. Its formation exemplifies the typical Chinese word-creation method of combining a meaningful root with a grammatical particle to create a specific, tangible concept.