Wu Collection, Middle Volume Radical: Sickness (bù) Lao Kangxi Strokes: 17 Page 780, Entry 32 Tang Rhymes (Tangyun) and Collected Rhymes (Jiyun): Pronounced lao (falling tone). Explanation of Characters (Shuowen): In Joseon, the poisoning by medicine is called lao. Extended Rhymes (Guangyun): Lao li refers to a malicious person. Yangzi Dialect Dictionary (Fangyan): Whenever one drinks or applies medicine and suffers poisoning, the people between Northern Yan and Joseon call it lao. Commentary: Lao li refers to something pungent or stinging. Also means pain. Collected Rhymes (Jiyun): Pronounced liao. Also pronounced lao. The meaning is the same. Correct Meaning Thoroughfare (Zhengzitong): Contemporary people use the term for accumulated exhaustion to describe the illness of consumption.