Definitions
(millet)
Etymology
About
The character 秠 is a specialized phono-semantic compound in classical agricultural terminology, denoting a type of black millet where two grains grow within a single husk. Its left radical, 禾 (hé), signifies grain and places the character within the category of cereal crops. The right component, 丕 (pī), functions solely as a phonetic element, indicating pronunciation without contributing its independent meaning of “greatness” to the botanical sense. This dual-grained millet was considered auspicious, often used in ceremonial offerings or for brewing ritual wines, which gave the character a notable presence in ancient agronomic and religious texts.
Etymology Hide
