蛕
the common intestinal worms, the tape-worm
Strokes12
Readings
On'yomi
- カイ
Kun'yomi
- かいちゅう
Meaning
蛕 centers on parasitic intestinal worms, specifically tapeworms. It refers to common internal worm infestations.
Study
Etymology
蛕 combines the insect radical 虫 with 有, which likely provides the sound. The character is used for parasitic worms, fitting the insect/creature radical.
Meaning mnemonic
The insect radical 虫 hints at a small creature, and 有 (possess) suggests something you might have inside you. Picture possessing an unwanted intestinal worm.
Reading mnemonic
For カイ, imagine a tapeworm shaped like a kite (カイト) inside the intestine: kite -> カイ, and the worm is the unwanted passenger.