Definitions

náo parasitic worm; human pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis)

Etymology phono-semantic

worm

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character (traditional form: ) is a phono-semantic compound: the insect radical on the left places it in the category of bugs and worms, while the phonetic element on the right, simplified , traditional , indicates the pronunciation. It denotes threadworms (pinworms), small parasitic nematodes that commonly infect the human intestinal tract. The character is used exclusively in the medical compound 蛲虫 and has no figurative or literary meanings.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern