粦
phosphorus
Strokes13
Readings
On'yomi
- リン
Kun'yomi
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Meaning
粦 centers on the chemical element phosphorus, a substance known for its faint glow. The meaning is narrow and technical, with no broader conceptual cluster.
Study
Etymology
粦 is a character of uncertain origin. It visually combines 米 (rice) and 舛 (opposing feet), but the historical relationship to phosphorus is unclear. The modern use as a chemical element character is likely a later assignment.
Meaning mnemonic
Picture rice grains (米) scattered over opposing footprints (舛) that glow faintly in the dark like phosphorus.
Reading mnemonic
For リン, imagine a ring of phosphorus glowing around the rice and footprints: ring -> リン.