About
The character 糨 functions as both a noun for a thick grain-based paste or starch, and as a verb for the process of stiffening fabrics with this liquid. Structurally, it is a phono-semantic compound: the semantic radical 米 (mǐ, rice) indicates the primary ingredient, while the phonetic component 强 (qiáng) provides the pronunciation. Historically, this character describes key domestic and textile practices, such as preparing adhesives for binding or treating garments to help them retain a crisp shape after washing.