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The character "茆" is structured with the grass radical (艹) positioned above the component "卯", a formation that explicitly categorizes it within the semantic field of plants. Etymologically, it initially specified the water shield plant, an aquatic vegetable referenced in early Chinese literature and herbals. Over centuries, its semantic range widened to denote thick or luxuriant grass in general, and it also began functioning as a surname. The character's composition, with the grass radical providing a clear thematic anchor, has been a constant factor in its lexical identity.
Etymology Hide
