About
The character 糜 is structured as a phono-semantic compound with the semantic component 米, indicating its association with grain or rice, and the phonetic component 麻, which approximates its sound. Historically, 糜 originally denoted a type of thick porridge or cooked grain, a meaning directly linked to its culinary context. Over time, its semantic range expanded to describe any substance that is mashed or reduced to a soft, pulpy consistency, mirroring the texture of porridge. This concrete sense later facilitated a figurative shift, whereby 糜 came to express states of decay or corruption, as evident in the compound 糜烂, where it conveys thorough deterioration or rottenness. The character's graphical composition has consistently featured these components, reflecting its etymological roots while accommodating these semantic developments.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
不要吃糜烂的食物。
早晨我喜欢喝粥糜。
他经常糜费钱财。
糜子是一种常见的谷物。
奢侈的生活容易导致糜烂。
公司因管理不善而糜费严重。
虽然糜子产量高，但需要精细加工。
在微生物的作用下，有机物质逐渐糜烂分解。