About
The character "蠡" is structured with the component "彖" positioned above "虫", a composition that reflects its original semantic field linked to insects, particularly wood-boring worms. Etymologically, it initially denoted such insects in early Chinese literature, but its meaning expanded to encompass objects like ladles or dippers made from gourds, likely through associative borrowing based on shape or function. This semantic shift allowed the character to be employed in personal names, such as that of the historical figure Fan Li, while its traditional form, consisting of "彖" and "虫", has remained consistent in construction.
Etymology Hide
