zhǒu

elbow

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

Components
⺼ meaning component

  Meaning component

ròu

  

meat, flesh

寸 iconic component

  Iconic component

cùn

  

(hand), inch

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

Evolution

肘 Oracle script (~1250-1000 BC)

Oracle script

(~1250-1000 BC)
肘 Seal script Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)

Seal script

Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
肘 Seal script Shuowen (~100 AD)

Seal script

Shuowen (~100 AD)
肘 Clerical script Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)

Clerical script

Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
肘 Regular script Modern

Regular script

Modern
Definitions

 

zhǒu

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

Most common words with 肘
Freq.
Word
Meaning

elbow

手肘

elbow

捉襟见肘

strapped for cash

胳膊肘

elbow

掣肘

to impede