Definitions

còu subcutaneous tissue

Etymology phono-semantic

flesh

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "腠" is structured as a phono-semantic compound with the radical "月", representing flesh or the body, and the component "奏", which primarily indicates its pronunciation. Etymologically, it emerged in early Chinese medical texts to denote the fine textures or interstices of the skin and muscles, a concept encapsulated in the term "腠理". Over centuries, its usage has remained specialized within anatomical and medical contexts, with no substantial broadening or shift in its semantic scope beyond this specific reference.