About
芫 is a phono-semantic compound with the radical 艹 at the top, indicating its botanical nature, while the component 元 below provides its pronunciation. It carries two distinct meanings and pronunciations in traditional use. In herbal medicine, it refers to the daphne, a poisonous shrub whose flowers are processed for remedies. In culinary contexts, it combines with another character to name coriander, an aromatic herb widely used as a garnish and flavoring.
Etymology Hide
