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淬 is a phono-semantic compound combining the three-stroke water radical 氵 on the left, which indicates a link to liquids, with the phonetic component 卒 on the right. Its original and primary technical meaning is the metallurgical process of quenching, rapidly cooling heated metal in water or oil to harden it and increase its structural strength. Over time, the meaning extended metaphorically from this industrial tempering to the tempering of character, the refinement of skills through rigorous training, or the endurance of hardship to become stronger and more resilient.
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