About
蠛 is a phono-semantic compound denoting tiny flying insects such as midges or sandflies. Its left-side radical 虫 indicates the semantic field of insects and other small invertebrates. The right-side component 蔑 supplies the pronunciation miè and contributes a subtle connotation of smallness or insignificance. This fusion of insect meaning and diminutive nuance aptly describes minute, bothersome flies. The character most often appears in the binome 蠛蠓, which refers to swarming gnats and similar pests. Its high stroke count is common in specialized entomological vocabulary.
Etymology Hide
Report an issue
Flag incorrect definitions, examples, etymology, etc.