rub, paint, erase
抹 centers on applying something to a surface and then spreading or removing it: rubbing on paint, smearing, or wiping away until erased.
抹 combines 扌 (hand) with 末, which likely contributes the sound and the idea of an end or tip, suggesting a hand wiping something away to its end.
A hand 扌 beside 末 (end/tip) suggests using your hand to rub something until it's gone—painting, smearing, or erasing.
For マツ, imagine rubbing a mat clean: mat -> マツ, and your hand erases the dirt.
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matcha; powdered green tea
erasure; striking off; crossing out; cancellation; deletion
erasure; obliteration
a touch (of sadness, unease, etc.); a tinge (of); a hint (of); a wreath (of smoke, cloud, etc.)
sperm whale
smear; daub; coating over
dwarf sperm whale (Kogia sima)
pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps)
proof of vehicle having been registered as disposed of
green tea ice cream
matcha flavor
matcha salt; salt mixed with powdered green tea
soft yellow-green; subdued pea green; tea green
red headband (worn by lower rank officers)
incense; incense powder
smelling of incense; overly pious
deregistration; cancellation of registration