Definitions
stalk; stem; CL:條|条[tiáo]
Etymology phono-semantic
grass
Semantic:
艹
About
The character "茎" originates from the traditional form "莖", which combines the grass radical "艹" with the component "巠", the latter offering phonetic value and conveying a notion of longitudinal continuity. This construction aligned with the character's core denotation of a plant's stem or primary axis. Over centuries, while its fundamental botanical sense persisted, the term's usage expanded to describe similar axial structures in objects like tools or in abstract concepts like geometric lines. The simplified form "茎" modifies this structure by substituting "巠" with "圣", a graphical alteration that changes the phonetic aspect while retaining the plant-related radical.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
这棵花的茎很长。
百合花的茎是绿色的。
他小心地剪断了花的茎。
这种植物的茎可以入药。
茎的强度支撑着整个植物。
科学家研究了这种植物的茎部结构。
在显微镜下，茎的细胞清晰可见。
由于病虫害，许多农作物的茎都受到了损害。