Shen Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Grass (cǎo) Ce Kangxi Strokes: 12 Page 1028, Entry 10 Jade Chapters (Yupian): Pronounced ce. Explaining Graphs (Shuowen): Thorny. Literary Expositor (Erya), Explanation of Plants: Ce means thorn. Commentary: Grasses that prick like needles. In the regions west of the pass, it is called a thorn; in the area between Yan, the north, and Joseon, it is called ce. Also, in Collected Rhymes (Jiyun): Pronounced ci (falling tone). Same as ci, the awn of a grass.