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The character 莿 (cì) is a phono-semantic compound, with the grass radical 艹 (cǎo) on top providing the semantic category of plants, and the component 刺 (cì) below contributing both the sound and the core meaning of a sharp point. This structure specifically denotes the thorns or prickles found on plants, bushes, and trees. While 刺 alone can mean a thorn or the act of stabbing, the addition of 艹 in 莿 etymologically refines the meaning to a plant-based thorn. In modern usage, however, the simpler 刺 is often sufficient for both the noun and verb senses.
Etymology Hide
