Definitions

used in 泌陽|泌阳[bì yáng] (the name of a place in Henan)
(bound form) to secrete

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 泌 (mì or bì) is a phono-semantic compound, formed with the water radical 氵 (shuǐ) on the left to indicate its association with liquids, and the phonetic component 必 (bì) on the right. This structure conveys the idea of liquid movement or flow. Originally, the term referred specifically to a gentle or steady flow of water from a source. Over time, as scientific terminology developed, it acquired a specialized meaning in medicine and biology, denoting the physiological process of secretion, such as the production and release of fluids by glands. Today, its primary usage is in biological contexts, like endocrine functions, marking a narrowing from its broader sense of flowing water to a precise scientific term.

Etymology Hide

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

Example Sentences Hide

皮肤分汗液。

Pífū fēnmì hànyè.

The skin secretes sweat.

唾液腺分唾液。

Tuòyèxiàn fēnmì tuòyè.

The salivary glands secrete saliva.

尿系统很重要。

Mìniào xìtǒng hěn zhòngyào.

The urinary system is very important.

内分调节身体。

Nèifēnmì tiáojié shēntǐ.

The endocrine system regulates the body.

医生检查他的尿系统。

Yīshēng jiǎnchá tā de mìniào xìtǒng.

The doctor examined his urinary system.

这种激素由垂体分

Zhè zhǒng jīsù yóu chuítǐ fēnmì.

This hormone is secreted by the pituitary gland.

研究内分疾病需要专业知识。

Yánjiū nèifēnmì jíbìng xūyào zhuānyè zhīshì.

Studying endocrine diseases requires professional knowledge.

乳过程受多种激素调控。

Mìrǔ guòchéng shòu duō zhǒng jīsù tiáokòng.

The lactation process is regulated by multiple hormones.