About
The character 蠛 is a phono-semantic compound denoting tiny flying insects like midges. Its left-side radical 虫 places it in the category of insects or invertebrates, while the right component 蔑 provides both the pronunciation "miè" and a semantic nuance of smallness or insignificance. This combination directly reflects its meaning of minute, bothersome insects. The character most commonly appears in the binome 蠛蠓, which refers to swarms of tiny, gnat-like pests. Its complex stroke structure reflects this specialized entomological sense.
Etymology Hide
