About
痨 is a phono-semantic compound and the simplified form of 癆. The radical 疒, meaning 'sickness', defines the semantic field, and the element 劳 (勞 in traditional) serves as the phonetic. The character stands for chronic wasting diseases, specifically tuberculosis or consumption. Historically, it was used in medical contexts to describe severe ailments that lead to gradual physical exhaustion and the body's deterioration over a long period.
Etymology Hide
Report an issue
Flag incorrect definitions, examples, etymology, etc.