Definitions

chī rheum from the eyes

Etymology phono-semantic

eye

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 眵 is structured with the semantic component 目, denoting its association with the eye, and the phonetic component 多, which historically indicated pronunciation. Etymologically, this combination yields the specific meaning of eye discharge or mucus, with 多 possibly conveying a sense of accumulation. The character's meaning has consistently referred to this physiological substance from early records to modern usage, and its form has always been composed of these two components without alteration.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern