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蜇 is a phonosemantic compound combining the semantic component 虫 (chóng, 'insect') and the phonetic component 折 (zhé). This structure yields both verbal and nominal meanings. As a verb, it means to sting, the defensive or predatory action of insects like bees or wasps. As a noun, it names a jellyfish, especially the edible sea blubber, which also delivers a sting. The insect radical thus extends to cover another stinging creature, linking both senses through their shared venomous trait.
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