About
The character 镞 (traditional: 鏃) is a phono-semantic compound rooted in ancient military and hunting terminology. Its left component, the metal radical 钅, establishes that the object is made of metal. The right component, 族, provides the pronunciation "zu". Etymologically, 镞 specifically denotes the sharp, pointed metal head of an arrow, differentiating it from the wooden or bamboo shaft. This structural combination reflects the historical shift from stone or bone projectiles to mass-produced metallic arrowheads in organized warfare.
Etymology Hide
