Wu Collection, Middle Volume Radical: Sickness (bìng) Liao Kangxi strokes: 17 Page 780, Entry 19 According to the Extensive Rhyme (Guangyun) and Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), pronounced liao (falling tone). According to the Correct Rhyme (Zhengyun), pronounced liao (falling tone). Same as liao. According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen): to treat or cure. According to the Regional Speech (Fangyan) by Yangzi: Liao means to treat or cure. In the regions of the Jiang and Xiang rivers, medical treatment is called yao, or sometimes liao. According to the Rites of Zhou (Zhouli), Offices of Heaven, Surgeons: All treatment of sores is attacked with the five poisons. Commentary: To stop illness is called liao. According to the Song of the Four White-Haired Hermits Picking Lingzhi (Sihao Caizhi Cao): Lush purple lingzhi mushrooms can be used to treat hunger. Also, according to the Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), pronounced shuo (rising tone). It is synonymous with the character for illness.