Definitions

chī rheum from the eyes

Etymology phono-semantic

eye

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

is a phono-semantic compound for eye secretions (rheum or sleep). It combines the eye radical on the left, indicating the anatomical context, with the phonetic component (duō) on the right. Although means "many" or "much", its role here is primarily phonetic. The character most often appears in the compound 眼眵 (yǎnchī), a medical noun for the crusty discharge that collects in the corners of the eyes. It has no extended or figurative meanings, functioning simply as a literal term for this common physiological occurrence.

Etymology Hide

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