About
The character 镂 (simplified from 鏤) is a phono-semantic compound meaning to engrave or carve intricate designs. Its left side features the metal radical (钅 in simplified form, 金 in traditional), linking it fundamentally to metallurgy and precise metalworking. The right side provides the phonetic element (娄/婁), contributing to pronunciation while the radical anchors the core sense. Originally a technical term for metalworking, especially openwork in bronze or silver, its meaning broadened to include etching memories deeply or crafting highly detailed literary works.
Etymology Hide
