Definitions

arrowhead; sharp

Etymology phono-semantic

metal

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "镞", derived from its traditional form "鏃", is structured as a phono-semantic compound combining the metal radical "金" (simplified to "钅") to denote material and the component "族" which primarily serves a phonetic function, directly linking the character to the concept of a metal arrowhead. Its etymology consistently points to this meaning, with the character's usage historically centered on referring to arrowheads, particularly those made of metal, and no substantial semantic divergence has occurred over time. The simplified form "镞" maintains this compositional logic, merely altering the radical to its abbreviated variant while preserving the original phonetic element.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern