The Chinese word **粮食 (liángshi)**, meaning "grain" or "food staples," is a **compound word formed by combining two characters with closely related meanings**. The first character, **粮 (liáng)**, historically refers specifically to grain rations or provisions, especially for travel or the military. The second character, **食 (shí)**, is a broader term meaning "to eat" or "food" in general. When combined, they create a **binomial synonym compound**, where both elements reinforce and specify the overall concept, resulting in a comprehensive term for the essential edible grains and cereals that form the basis of a diet, such as rice, wheat, and corn.