About
The character 胴 is a phonosemantic compound: the flesh radical ⺼ on the left signifies 'body', while the right-side 同 (tóng) provides the sound. In its earliest textual appearances, it occasionally denoted the large intestine. Over time, its primary meaning shifted to the torso, or trunk, of a human or animal body, excluding the head and limbs. In modern anatomical and botanical contexts, it refers to the thickest, central part of a structure. The character is a key component of dòngtǐ, a compound meaning a naked human body or the dressed carcass of a slaughtered animal.
Example Words
Report an issue
Flag incorrect definitions, examples, etymology, etc.