Wei Collection, Lower Volume Radical: Meat (ròu) Waist; Kangxi Stroke Count: 15 Page 989, Entry 13 Collected Rhymes (Jiyun) and Rhyme Collection (Yunhui) both provide the pronunciation yao. Correct Rhymes (Zhengyun) provides the pronunciation yao. Pronounced yao. Explanatory Dictionary of Characters (Shuowen): The middle of the body. Resembles the form of a person holding their waist. Xu says: The waist is the central pivot, which is used to support the self. Jade Chapters (Yupian): The hip. Explanation of Names (Shiming): Waist (yao) means to constrict (yue); it is in the middle of the body, where it constricts and is small. Also a name for a horse. Ancient and Modern Notes (Gujinzhu): Ancient swift horses include the Flying Rabbit and Waist-Supple (yaoniao). Also used to refer to the strategic position of a territory. Strategies of the Warring States (Zhanguoce): Liang is the waist of the region east of the mountains. Jade Chapters (Yupian): Originally written as yao. Broad Rhymes (Guangyun): Sometimes written as a variant form.