龠
ancient unit of capacity; ancient flute
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesmeasure word
ancient unit of capacity equal to half a gě
archaicAn archaic unit of dry measure in the ancient Chinese capacity system. In the traditional hierarchy, 1 gě (合) = 2 yuè (龠), 10 gě = 1 shēng (升).
Ancient times used yuè, gě, shēng, dǒu, and hú as units of capacity.
One yuè is equivalent to half a gě, making it a relatively small unit of capacity.
noun
ancient flute-like musical instrument resembling a xiao
archaicAlso written as 籥. A short, vertical bamboo flute with three or six holes, used in ancient rituals and court music. Often played alongside the sheng (mouth organ) in ceremonial contexts.
The Book of Songs records sacrificial scenes where the yuè was played and danced with.
Ancient musicians often held the yuè to harmonize with musical compositions.
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The yuè is a single-pipe wind instrument, shorter than the xiao but with a clear, piercing tone.