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The character "凼" etymologically depicts a water-filled depression, structured with the receptacle radical "凵" enclosing an abbreviated form of "水" to symbolize contained water. Its traditional counterpart "氹" follows the same conceptual layout, integrating a more recognizable water component within the same enclosing element. Originally denoting natural hollows or pools, the term later extended to refer to man-made agricultural features such as drainage ditches or manure pits.
Etymology Hide
