Word Family of Terms Originally Pronounced KUK

Semantic Values of the Sound KUK: Frame + Circle/Mass




Terms in this word family suggest that there is an element of circularity and/or of massing with respect to the framing object.
　We find a bent ruler or measuring implement (曲), a sunken fountainhead (谷), bent lines bracketing a frame (局), dogs snarling at each other at close proximity (獄), a rugged mountain (岳), a tight group of precious stones (玉), a curved roof (屋), objects grasped tightly in a fist (握), and curved horns (角).

　Among the non-Everyday Use Characters, we find the following examples:

A heavy partitioning curtain (幄)
A circular enclosure (囿)
The teeth massed in grinding against each other (齷)
A topknot (髷)
Barren, rocky earth (埆, 确)
Silk fabric with a rough surface (縠)
A ravine or valley (峪)
The hub of a wheel (轂)
A covered container (渥)
A goblet made of horn (觳)
A round head (頊)
A compact, rounded figure made by bending over (跼)

　Extensions of meaning or abstract applications of the senses noted above are found in the remaining characters in this group.




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