极性 (jí xìng) — polarity

Definition

A scientific term for 'polarity' — the property by which something (a magnet, molecule, or cell) has two opposing ends or poles that behave differently. Common in physics and biology.

noun
polarity
Easily confused

Examples

  • 极性。
    Cí tiě de jí xìng jué dìng le tā de fāng xiàng.
    The polarity of a magnet determines its direction.
  • 极性。
    Shuǐ fēn zǐ de jí xìng shǐ tā chéng wéi liáng hǎo de róng jì.
    The polarity of water molecules makes it a good solvent.
  • ，极性。
    Zài shēng wù xué zhōng, xì bāo de jí xìng duì fā yù hěn zhòng yào.
    In biology, cell polarity is very important for development.

Origin

Derived word
构词法gòucífǎ
后缀hòuzhuìSuffix

A fixed syllable at the end that turns the word into a noun, a person, a place or the like.

极jípole
性xìngnature; property

极 names a pole, and 性 adds the sense of having poles.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
木木mùtree, wood
Sound part声符shēngfú
及
及jí极jí
Same sound today

极 pairs 木 (tree, wood) with 及, which provides the sound.

Open 极 →

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
忄Written in full as心xīnheart
Sound part声符shēngfú
生
生shēng性xìng
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

性 is built from 忄 (the heart) and 生 (a sound clue). The heart part connects the word to a person's inner nature or quality.

Open 性 →

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