About
The character "肱" is a phono-semantic compound formed from the radical 月, a variant of 肉 indicating flesh, and the component 厷, which acts as both a phonetic element and a carryover from its independent use representing the upper arm. Its structure consistently denotes the anatomical upper arm or humerus bone. While this core meaning has persisted, the character historically appears in classical compounds like "股肱", where it takes on a metaphorical sense referring to indispensable supporters or key limbs of authority.
Etymology Hide
