Definitions

maple; also pr. [zú]; Taiwan pr. [cù]

Etymology phono-semantic

tree

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

A phono-semantic compound used in botanical nomenclature, combines the semantic radical ('tree' or 'wood') with the phonetic component (meaning 'relative' or 'grief'). This character denotes the maple tree, covering Acer species known for their palmate leaves and autumn foliage. Although it was once interchangeable with other tree characters, now serves as the precise taxonomic term for maples.

Etymology Hide

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