锭 (dìng) — (classifier) for ingots (of silver, gold) and ink sticks
Definition
锭 (dìng) is a classifier used almost exclusively for solid bars of precious metal (silver, gold) and for solid sticks of ink — paired with 一 (e.g. 一锭金子, 一锭墨).
classifier
for ingots (of silver, gold) and ink sticks
Examples
- 锭。Tā zài gǔ dǒng diàn mǎi le yí dìng yín zi.He bought a silver ingot at the antique shop.
- 锭。Shū fǎ jiā yòng le yí dìng hǎo mò.The calligrapher used a fine ink stick.
- 锭。Nà lǐ fàng zhe sān dìng huáng jīn.There are three gold ingots placed there.
Origin
Sound + meaning六书liùshū
形声xíngshēngMost characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.
This origin belongs to the traditional form 錠; 锭 is its simplified writing.
The traditional form 錠 pairs 金, meaning metal, with 定 giving the sound; it referred to a metal ritual vessel. The simplified 锭 is a later shorthand.
Appears in
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