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溽 is a phono-semantic compound: 氵 (water) suggests moisture, while 辱 gives the pronunciation. It originally denoted the oppressive, sweltering heat and high humidity of summer, still its most common use today. The structure naturally links water to dampness, and over time the character also came to describe rich, savory qualities in food and excessively damp environments, yet the core image of heavy, humid summer air remains definitive.
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