About
The character 麇 is a phono-semantic compound with the deer radical 鹿 on top and the grain component 禾 below. Its primary meaning, derived from the upper radical, refers to a roe deer or a similar small deer species. Additionally, it has a secondary pronunciation and sense meaning to flock or gather in large numbers. The combination of deer and grain components may reflect the behavior of these animals aggregating around food sources, linking the animal category to the concept of herding.
Etymology Hide