Definitions
Etymology phono-semantic
fish
About
鲎 (traditional 鱟) is a phono-semantic compound: the bottom radical 鱼 indicates an aquatic creature, while the top component 寪 gives the sound. It refers solely to the horseshoe crab, a marine arthropod with a hard carapace and long pointed tail. The fish radical illustrates the historical tendency to classify unfamiliar sea animals under the fish category, regardless of modern taxonomy. The character is used strictly in zoological and culinary contexts for this ancient species and has no abstract meanings.
Report an issue
Flag incorrect definitions, examples, etymology, etc.