A physical wedge used to split, tighten, or secure something. Also used metaphorically for something that drives a wedge between people or ideas.
I drove a wedge into the log and split it.
That remark drove a wedge between the two of them.
Deepen the bonds of friendship.
split wedge
slender sunfish; oblong sunfish
wedge for securing objects together · tie; bond; connection between people
cuneiform writing
Standard kanji spelling for both literal and figurative wedge meanings.
Kana spelling is common in everyday writing, especially when the kanji is not needed.
Katakana spelling is sometimes used for emphasis or in technical contexts.
Rarely used kanji form.
The origin is uncertain. The kanji 楔 is conventionally associated with the meaning 'wedge', while 轄 is a rare variant.