Definitions
(old) neodymium; neptunium (chemistry)
Etymology
About
釢 combines the metal radical 金 (jīn) with the phonetic component 乃 (nǎi). Ancient texts record it as an obscure character meaning to tie or bind, though its connection to metal is unclear, possibly suggesting a wire or fastener. In modern usage, it was repurposed as an early chemical translation for neodymium, now standardised as 釹 (nǚ). This reflects a broader pattern where obscure characters with appropriate radicals and phonetics are revived for scientific terminology.