Definitions
cicada (Cosmopsaltria opalifera)
Etymology
About
The character "螀" is a phono-semantic compound that combines the radical "虫", denoting its classification as an insect, with a phonetic component derived from "將" to indicate its pronunciation. Its structure consistently places the insect radical at the base, while the upper element functions as a sound marker. Historically, this character has specifically referred to a type of cicada associated with autumn or cold weather, as seen in classical literary compounds such as "寒螀". The meaning of "螀" has remained narrowly focused on this insect, without significant expansion or alteration in its usage over time.