About
绻 (traditional 綣) is a phono-semantic compound: the silk radical 纟 on the left relates to textiles, binding, and intertwining materials, while the phonetic 卷 on the right provides the sound. Its original meaning was the physical act of binding objects with cord or the state of threads being tightly tangled and woven into a cohesive mass. This concrete image of intertwined threads later developed into a metaphor for deep emotional attachment, romantic entanglement, and inseparable affection. Today, it appears chiefly in formal literary compounds describing lovers who are deeply devoted and reluctant to part, thus translating a physical textile process into the expression of complex emotional bonding.
Etymology Hide
Example Words
Report an issue
Flag incorrect definitions, examples, etymology, etc.