Definitions

cut meat into pieces; diced meat

Etymology

About

The character 胾 is a phono-semantic compound illustrating the preparation of food. Its semantic radical 肉 (meat or flesh) is positioned at the bottom, while the upper component 𢦏 serves as the phonetic element, also depicting a cutting tool or halberd to suggest chopping. Etymologically, the character refers specifically to large chunks of cut meat, distinguishing them from thinly sliced or minced preparations. This meaning reflects historical butchery practices, where substantial portions of flesh were prepared for significant feasts or ceremonial sacrifices, and the character appears primarily in classical literature documenting ancient dietary customs.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Warring States (~250 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern