The word "阐述" is formed by combining the characters "阐" and "述". "阐" is composed of the radical "门" (gate) and the component "单", which historically contributes to both sound and meaning, suggesting the idea of opening up to clarify. "述" is composed of the radical "辶" (movement) and the component "术" (method), implying the action of stating or relating in a systematic way. Together, they create a compound word where "阐" focuses on making something clear or explicit, and "述" emphasizes recounting or describing, resulting in the meaning to expound or elaborate in detail.