緥
swaddling
Strokes15
Readings
On'yomi
- ホ
- ホウ
Kun'yomi
- むつき
Meaning
緥 centers on wrapping an infant in cloth: swaddling. The meaning is narrow and concrete, referring to the act of binding a baby snugly.
Study
Etymology
緥 combines 糸 (thread) with 保 (protect, keep), suggesting cloth used to protect or wrap an infant. The exact historical development is uncertain, but the component relationship is clear.
Meaning mnemonic
Thread 糸 and protection 保 come together: imagine sewing a soft cloth to swaddle a baby, keeping it safe and snug.
Reading mnemonic
For ホ, picture a baby wrapped in a swaddling cloth, and the sound of a gentle 'ho' as you rock it to sleep: ho -> ホ.