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镦 (dūn) is the simplified form of the traditional character 鐓, a phono-semantic compound. The semantic radical 钅 (釒 in traditional) marks its association with metal, while the phonetic 敦 (dūn) provides the pronunciation. Originally, it referred to the metal ferrule or heavy butt end of a spear or halberd, the protective cap on the weapon's shaft. Later, it also came to denote the metallurgical process of upsetting or thickening metal by forging, a usage confined to mechanical and martial contexts.
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