Definitions
(noun)
spine; backbone
(noun)
ridge; elevated line
Etymology
Originally was a pictograph of a fish spine. Later changed into a phonosemantic compound with ⺼ representing the meaning and 朿 representing the sound.
About
The character "脊", representing the spine or backbone, originates from a composite structure that visually conveys its meaning through the integration of the flesh radical with a component depicting the vertebral column. This construction emphasizes the anatomical nature of the spine, blending a symbol for meat or body tissue with an element that outlines the sequential bones. Over time, while maintaining its primary reference to the central skeletal structure in humans and animals, the meaning of "脊" expanded metaphorically to describe any similar ridge or linear prominence, such as the crest of a mountain or the binding edge of a book, illustrating a shift from a strictly physical denotation to a broader conceptual application.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
他的脊背很直。
山脊上有一棵树。
医生检查了他的脊柱。
猫的脊椎非常灵活。
屋脊的瓦片需要修理。
登山者沿着陡峭的山脊前进。
长期的错误姿势会导致脊柱侧弯。
在解剖学中，脊椎动物的特征是有脊索或脊柱。