Definitions
(phonetic); fragrant
Etymology
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The character "苾" is structured with the grass radical "艹" positioned above the phonetic component "必", indicating its original semantic link to aromatic plants. Etymologically, it appeared in early Chinese texts to denote the fragrance of herbs and flowers, but its meaning later broadened to encompass scents and perfumes more generally. This character was also employed phonetically in Buddhist transliterations, while its core reference to fragrance continued in various literary contexts.
Etymology Hide
