鼤 (wén) - Flying squirrel & a type of rodent with a membrane allowing

鼤Tone 2

wén ｜ 17 strokes ｜ radical:

万响

鼤 · wén

Flying squirrel;

a type of rodent with a membrane allowing it to glide between trees.

Flying squirrela type of rodent with a membrane allowing

Usage highlights

Flying squirrelGiant flying squirrelSquirrel familyGliding mammalNocturnal animalForest rodent

Synonyms

  • 鼯鼠— flying squirrel
  • 飞鼠— flying squirrel (alternative name)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The flying squirrel (鼯鼠) is a nocturnal gliding mammal.
  • Some species of flying squirrels are found in East Asian forests (森林鼯鼠).
  • The giant flying squirrel (大鼯鼠) can glide over 100 meters.

Collocations

  • Flying squirrel(鼯鼠)
  • Giant flying squirrel(大鼯鼠)
  • Squirrel family(松鼠科)
  • Gliding mammal(滑翔哺乳动物)
  • Nocturnal animal(夜行动物)
  • Forest rodent(森林啮齿动物)

Idioms

  • The flying squirrel has five skills but none mastered(鼯鼠五技而穷)
  • Like a flying squirrel crossing the river(如鼯渡河)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Appears in classical Chinese texts like the 'Book of Rites' as an example of an animal with many superficial skills but no true mastery.
  • In traditional Chinese medicine, flying squirrel parts were sometimes used, though this is rare today.
  • The character is considered quite rare in modern usage, primarily appearing in zoological or literary contexts.

FAQ