Definitions
tenth of the ten Heavenly Stems 十天干[shí tiān gān]; tenth in order; letter "J" or Roman "X" in list "A, B, C", or "I, II, III" etc; ancient Chinese compass point: 15°; deca
Etymology
Possibly depicts a type of ancient weapon with three points on it. Based on the original meaning "a type of weapon", now written as 戣. The current meaning is a phonetic loan.
About
The character "癸" has an etymology that is not entirely clear, with proposed origins including a representation of a crossed tool or a spiral design. In its modern structure, it is composed of the radical 癶 placed above the component 天, a form consistent across both traditional and simplified writing. While its earliest use might have carried a more concrete meaning, the character became firmly established as the designation for the tenth Heavenly Stem in the cyclical calendar system. Over time, its application expanded into abstract and symbolic realms, such as in traditional Chinese medicine where it denotes water or certain physiological concepts, reflecting a shift from a potential physical referent to a primarily classificatory and symbolic role.
Etymology Hide
