Definitions
mortise (slot cut into wood to receive a tenon); 4th earthly branch: 5–7 a.m., 2nd solar month (6th March–4th April), Year of the Rabbit; ancient Chinese compass point: 90° (east); (coll.) to concentrate one's strength (variant of 鉚|铆[mǎo])
variant of 卯[mǎo]
old variant of 卯[mǎo]
Etymology
Depicts two knives side-by-side. Based on the original meaning "butcher's knife". The current meaning is a phonetic loan.
About
The character "卯" originated from a pictographic depiction of a split or opening, with its modern form consisting of two symmetrical, facing components that suggest a notion of opposition or interlocking. This structural representation corresponds to its early adoption as a term for mortise joinery in woodworking, where it signifies the receiving part of a joint. Over centuries, its primary association shifted to designate the fourth Earthly Branch in the Chinese zodiac system, representing the rabbit and the time period from 5 to 7 AM, while its technical meaning persists in compounds such as "卯榫" for mortise and tenon.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
他每天卯时起床。
我们要卯足劲工作。
早上点卯很重要。
公司在卯时开始营业。
为了成功，他卯足了全力。
卯时的阳光非常柔和。
虽然很困，但他还是卯时起床了。
在项目最后阶段，团队卯足了劲。