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Kotomora

蟊

fly which is used similarly to cantharides

Strokes17

Readings

On'yomi

  • ボウ
  • ム

Kun'yomi

  • ねきりむし

Meaning

蟊 refers to a specific type of fly used similarly to cantharides (blister beetles), likely for medicinal or irritant purposes. Its meaning is narrow and technical, centered on this insect.

Study

Etymology

蟊 combines 矛 (a spear or halberd) with 䖵 (a doubled insect component). The exact historical development is uncertain, but it likely names a particular insect, possibly one associated with pests or irritants.

Meaning mnemonic

A spear (矛) is held over a swarm of insects (䖵), like a fly that irritates like a blister beetle. Imagine a soldier using a spear to fend off a cloud of these medicinal flies.

Reading mnemonic

For ボウ, picture a bow (ボウ) being used to shoot at the irritating fly: bow -> ボウ, and the fly is the target.