About
垄 is a phono-semantic compound with the earth radical 土 (tǔ) on the left, indicating its connection to soil or land, and the phonetic component 龙 (lóng) on the right. Its traditional form, 壟, places the unsimplified dragon 龍 above the earth radical 土. The character primarily denotes a raised mound of earth, such as a ridge between fields or a small hillock. This meaning arises from agricultural practices where soil is mounded for planting or irrigation. More broadly, it can also refer to any elevated earthen structure, including a burial mound that stands above the surrounding terrain.
Etymology Hide
