Definitions
Etymology phono-semantic
pottery
About
罂 (traditional: 罌) is a phono-semantic compound originally referring to a type of container. The bottom component, the earthenware radical 缶, signals its semantic connection to pottery vessels. The top component is 婴 (simplified; 嬰 in traditional), meaning "infant", but here it acts purely as a phonetic marker for the pronunciation "ying". Historically, the character denoted a large, round-bellied ceramic jar with a small mouth, used for storing liquids or grains. Today it appears almost exclusively in the compound 罂粟 (yingsu, "opium poppy"), likely because the poppy seed pod resembles that traditional jar.
Etymology Hide
Example Words
Report an issue
Flag incorrect definitions, examples, etymology, etc.