棱 (léng) - Edge, corner, ridge & arris (in architecture)

棱Tone 2

léng ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

俊梁

棱 · léng

Edge, corner, ridge;

arris (in architecture);

a measure word for fields (in ancient times);

also refers to a type of tree.

Edge, corner, ridgearris (in architecture)a measure word for fields (in ancient times)

Usage highlights

Edges and cornersMountain ridgePrismPyramidCrystal edgesWithered tree

Synonyms

  • 角— corner, angle
  • 边— edge, side
  • 脊— ridge, spine

Antonyms

  • 圆— round, circular
  • 滑— smooth, slippery

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The edge of the table is sharp (桌子棱).
  • The mountain ridge is clearly visible (山棱).
  • This is a prism (棱镜).
  • He has a prominent jawline (棱角分明的下巴).

Collocations

  • Edges and corners(棱角)
  • Mountain ridge(山棱)
  • Prism(棱镜)
  • Pyramid(棱锥)
  • Crystal edges(晶棱)
  • Withered tree(木棱)

Idioms

  • Sharp edges and corners(棱角分明)
  • Without edges or corners(无棱无角)
  • Obscure and indistinct(模棱两可)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese architecture, '棱' refers to the arris or sharp edge formed by the intersection of two surfaces.
  • The character appears in scientific terms like '棱镜' (prism) due to its geometric meaning.
  • In personality descriptions, '棱角' metaphorically describes someone with strong principles or distinctive character.

FAQ