Definitions

scabies, itching, scald-head

Etymology phono-semantic

sickness

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 瘌 is structured as a phono-semantic compound, integrating the semantic component 疒, which denotes illness or disease, with the phonetic component 剌, guiding its pronunciation. Etymologically, this character was formulated to represent specific dermatological conditions, primarily scabies or mange, as reflected in classical usage within terms like 瘌痢. While its core semantic field has consistently centered on skin ailments, the character’s employment has predominantly persisted in medical or descriptive contexts related to such afflictions, without broadening into unrelated meanings.

Etymology Hide

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