Definitions
Etymology phono-semantic
frog
About
The character 鼍 (traditional: 鼉) refers to the Chinese alligator, a crocodilian reptile endemic to the Yangtze River basin. The traditional form is complex, combining the radical 黽 at the bottom, used for amphibians and aquatic creatures, with the phonetic component 單 (dān) above to indicate pronunciation. The simplified 鼍 greatly reduces strokes by adopting the simplified radical 黾 and phonetic 单. In classical literature, its skin was frequently mentioned as the material for crafting drumheads of large ceremonial drums.
Etymology Hide
Report an issue
Flag incorrect definitions, examples, etymology, etc.