About
螯 is a phono-semantic compound, combining the semantic radical 虫, which denotes insects or venomous creatures, with the phonetic component 赦. Its primary meaning is to sting or bite, specifically referring to the injection of venom by creatures like scorpions or insects. It can also function as a noun meaning the stinger itself or the venom. The structure pairs the source of the action, represented by the bug radical, with a phonetic marker to specify this biological mechanism.
Etymology Hide
