蛀 Stroke Order

蛀 [zhù] Meaning: 1. (Noun) a. Refers to small insects that can bore into tree trunks, clothes, books, grains, etc., such as longhorn beetles, silverfish, and rice weevils. b. Figuratively, refers to evildoers who infringe on the interests of the nation or the public. 2. (Verb) To be damaged or destroyed by insects; for example, books have been damaged by insects. 3. (Noun) The original meaning: borer or wood-boring insect. - Same as original meaning (English: moth) 4. (Noun) Used similarly to “疰” (chronic infectious disease). 5. (Verb) To bore; to be damaged by boring insects (English: bore by borer or any wood-boring insect). Examples: - 蛀食: Refers to being eaten away by boring insects. - 蛀心虫: A collective term for larvae of types such as the second-generation and third-generation borers, big borers, and corn borers. - 蛀书蠹: Refers to bookworms; it metaphorically indicates someone who is overly focused on reading. - 蛀牙/蛀齿: Commonly known as cavities (dental caries). Quotes: - "蛀侵嘉树，蛀耗米珠” (Ming Dynasty, Gu Dashaou): Insects invade fine trees and devour precious grains.