表征 (biǎo zhēng) — indicator, symbol, representation; (in science/technology) surface feature, superficial characteristic

Definition

A formal, scientific word for an outward 'indicator' or 'sign' of something deeper (a quality, state, or process). In science it specifically means a surface or superficial feature — a measurable sign, not the underlying reality itself.

noun
indicatorsymbolrepresentation(in science/technology) surface featuresuperficial characteristic

Examples

  • 表征。
    Zhè ge shù jù shì jīng jì zhuàng kuàng de zhòng yào biǎo zhēng.
    This data is an important indicator of the economic situation.
  • 表征。
    Wēn dù shì wù zhì rè yùn dòng de yì zhǒng biǎo zhēng.
    Temperature is a kind of surface feature of the thermal motion of matter.
  • 表征。
    Tā de xíng wéi shì nèi xīn jiāo lǜ de biǎo zhēng.
    His behavior is a representation of inner anxiety.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéSide by side

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

表biǎoshow
征zhēngsign

表 and 征 both indicate something, so the word means an indicator or symbol.

Characters in this word

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

The shape 表 pairs 衣 (garment) with 毛 (hair or feather), originally an outer garment.

Open 表 →

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 徵; 征 is its simplified writing.

The simplified 征 stands for more than one traditional character. In most words (特征, 象征) it is 徵; in others it is 征.

The story is about the traditional form 徵. It originally meant punishment, from a picture of a knife with tooth-shaped protrusions on its back; later forms kept that sense.

Open 征 →

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