Wei Collection, Middle Volume Radical: Silk (mì) Kangxi stroke count: 14 Page 927, Entry 10 In archaic scripts, it is written as a variant form (xiàn). The Wide Rhyme (Guangyun) and The Compilation of Rhymes (Jiyun) indicate it is pronounced xian (falling tone), which is the same as the pronunciation for xian. The Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi) defines it as a strand, referring to silk thread. The Jade Chapter (Yupian) states that it can be used to sew clothing. The Wide Rhyme (Guangyun) defines it as thin silk. The History of the Former Han Dynasty (Qian Hanshu), in the Table of Merit and Achievements of the Officials under Emperors Gao, Hui, and Empress Gao, contains the phrase "unbroken like a thread." Note: Jin Zhuo says this is the same as the character for thread used today. Additionally, The Compilation of Rhymes (Jiyun) indicates it is pronounced xian (rising tone). The meaning is the same. It is also written in a variant form (xian).