Definitions

oyster

Etymology phono-semantic

mollusk

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

蚵 is a phono-semantic compound, combining the left-side radical 虫 (chóng), which broadly classifies invertebrates, bugs, and shellfish, with the right-side phonetic component 可 (kě). It specifically denotes an oyster, appearing primarily in coastal dialects and culinary terms for this bivalve mollusk. The character functions strictly as a biological noun within aquaculture and seafood vocabulary.