About
A phono-semantic compound with the insect radical 虫 on the left and the phonetic 亡 on the right, 虻 denotes blood-sucking flies, especially horseflies and gadflies, known for their painful bites on livestock and humans. The insect radical places it among bugs, worms, and creeping or flying insects, while 亡 indicates the pronunciation. In classical literature, the aggressive, annoying nature of these flies inspired metaphorical descriptions of persistently bothersome individuals or minor officials who parasitically drain the common people.
Example Words
Report an issue
Flag incorrect definitions, examples, etymology, etc.