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The character "垠" is structured with the earth radical 土 on the left and the phonetic component 艮 on the right, denoting its original association with terrestrial boundaries such as riverbanks or field margins. Its meaning evolved from referring strictly to physical limits to encompassing abstract conceptions of boundlessness, as seen in the compound "无垠". The component 艮 provides phonetic guidance while also implying a sense of stoppage or firmness, consistent with the notion of a demarcation point.
Etymology Hide
