About
铫 is a phono-semantic compound formed by the metal radical 钅 (derived from the traditional form 釒 in 銚) and the phonetic component 兆. The radical identifies it as a metallic tool or vessel. Historically, the character held several distinct meanings and pronunciations. It most commonly denoted a small, handled metal pan with a spout, used for boiling water or medicine. Agricultural texts also employed it to refer to an ancient weeding tool. In a military context, 铫 described a type of large spear.
Etymology Hide
