About
The character 铫 is a phono-semantic compound with metal radical 钅 (simplified from 釒 in the traditional form 銚) and phonetic 兆. This radical marks it as a metal tool or vessel. Historically, it had several meanings and pronunciations depending on context. It most commonly referred to a small metal cooking pan with a handle and spout, used for boiling water or decocting medicine. In agricultural texts, it denoted an ancient weeding implement, while in military contexts it signified a large spear employed in combat.
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