壒
dust
Strokes17
Readings
On'yomi
- アイ
- カイ
Kun'yomi
- つちけむり
Meaning
壒 centers on fine, dry particles of earth: dust. The single given meaning is straightforward, with no major distinct senses to reconcile.
Most common words using 壒
- 壒嚢鈔あいのうしょう
Ainosho (dictionary of Buddhism, first published in 1446)
Study
Etymology
壒 combines 土 (earth) with 蓋, which likely contributes the sound and may relate to covering or a lid, suggesting earth particles that cover surfaces like dust.
Meaning mnemonic
The left side is earth 土, and the right side 蓋 looks like a lid covering a dish. Picture a lid lifted from a dish, releasing a cloud of fine dust from the dry earth.
Reading mnemonic
For アイ, imagine an eye irritated by dust: eye -> アイ, and the dust from the earth makes your eye water.