Definitions

míng a lucky place

Etymology phono-semantic

grass

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "蓂" is structured with the grass radical (艹) above the component "冥", which functions as a phonetic element. Etymologically, it was formed to represent a plant name, specifically the mythical "蓂荚" noted in early Chinese literature. Over centuries, the character's application narrowed from a general plant term to being solely associated with this legendary entity, with no significant expansion into other botanical meanings.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern