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Glite Dictionary
☰ I Ching symbol 🔤 Three symbols
trigram

trigram

1 9.8
Three short lines that form one of eight I Ching symbols used to predict or give advice
  • noun
  • /ˈtraɪˌɡræm/
  • Literature
translation icon : trigrama
  • The trigram of K'an, characterized by broken lines, is often interpreted as a symbol of danger.

Examples

  • Each trigram in the I Ching is made up of three lines that convey different meanings.

  • In the I Ching, each trigram has a unique meaning.

  • Each trigram in the I Ching represents a different natural element or force.

  • The ancient scholar explained the meaning of the trigram composed of two solid lines and one broken line.

  • He drew a trigram on the board to illustrate the concept of balance in Chinese philosophy.

  • The trigram represents the concept of heaven.

  • In Chinese philosophy, the trigram represents one of the eight fundamental symbols used for divination.

Surface Forms

trigram singular
trigrams plural

Morphology

trigram = gram (transparent) = tri + gram

Same morphological formation (tri- + -gram); the meaning 'three-line symbol' follows directly from 'tri-' (three) plus '-gram' (a unit/figure).

Etymology

Trigram also names the three-line symbols used in the Chinese I Ching; the parts tri- mean 'three' and -gram means 'a mark' or 'line', so a trigram is a 'three-line' sign that stands for different natural forces in that system.