Definitions

a kind of farm tool

Etymology phono-semantic

plow

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character is a phono-semantic compound: the radical (lěi, a plow or farming implement) signals the agricultural domain, while (mó, to rub or scrape) gives the pronunciation and hints at the action. This specialized term denotes both a traditional tool for breaking up soil clods and the subsequent task of leveling and smoothing the soil to prepare for planting. The combination of a tool radical with a phonetic meaning "rub" or "scrape" vividly conveys the implement's use and the smoothing motion.