About
蜎 (yuān) is a phono-semantic compound: the semantic component 虫, on the left, indicates insects or worms, while the phonetic 肙 (yuān) on the right gives the pronunciation. The character primarily denotes a small worm, caterpillar, or mosquito larva. From the wriggling movements of these larvae, it extended to function as a verb meaning to bend, crawl, squirm, or flutter lightly. The phonetic 肙 depicts a small mouth or opening, reinforcing the small, delicate nature of these creatures and their characteristic wriggling or bending motion.
Etymology Hide
Report an issue
Flag incorrect definitions, examples, etymology, etc.