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膂 is a vertically structured phono-semantic compound: the upper component 旅 (lǚ) indicates pronunciation, while the lower radical 月 (ròu, "flesh") anchors the meaning in the body. It denotes the backbone, spine, and the surrounding musculature, and in classical literature and traditional medicine it conveys core physical strength or the body's central support. The character thus precisely names the dorsal region and the bodily fortitude associated with it.
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