嵘 (róng): (in 峥嵘) lofty and steep; extrao…

Meanings

那是一段峥嵘的岁月。

Nà shì yí duàn zhēng róng de suìyuè.

Those were extraordinary, memorable years.

峥嵘的山峰连绵不断。

Zhēng róng de shānfēng liánmián búduàn.

The towering peaks rise one after another.

usage

Found only in 峥嵘, literally describing steep towering peaks and figuratively meaning remarkable, as in 峥嵘岁月 (eventful years).

radical

山 shān

mountain

The mountain radical fixes the literal image: 峥嵘 describes high, jagged peaks before the word broadens to mean anything towering or extraordinary.

phonetic

荣 róng

flourishing; glory

Supplies the reading róng; its overtone of flourishing splendour suits the grand, lofty feel of 峥嵘.

嵘 róng