Dong Chinese dictionary

zhǒu

elbow

Originally written similar to 九, which depicts an elbow. Later the ⺼ (meat, flesh) component was added.

Components

⺼ Meaning component

ròu

meat, flesh

寸 Iconic component

cùn

(hand), inch

Originally depicted a bent arm, similar to 九. Later reanalyzed as 寸, which depicts a hand.

Evolution

Oracle script

(~1250-1000 BC)

Seal script

Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)

Seal script

Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical script

Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)

Regular script

Modern

Definitions

zhǒu

the elbow; help a person shoulder a load; elbow; pork shoulder

Most common words with 肘

Sources