蒸

Phono-semantic compound:

艸 (grass, plant) semantic component

烝 (steam rising; vapors; warmth) phonetic component

According to 《說文解字》 (Shuowen Jiezi), 蒸 originally referred to the stalks of hemp (大麻之莖).

From hemp stalks used as fuel, torches, and kindling, the meaning expanded to:

- burning

- rising steam or vapor

- heating, warming

- steaming food

증기 (蒸氣) — steam

증발 (蒸發) — evaporation

증등 (蒸騰) — rising vapor; soaring

증류 (蒸溜) — distillation

증자기 (蒸煮器) — steamer, steaming device

The character stands at the root of many scientific/technical terms involving evaporation, vapor, or distillation.

The original agricultural meaning (hemp stalks, fuel) is rarely known outside etymological studies.

Classical citations:

《詩經·大雅》 (The Book of Songs)

「天生蒸民，有物有則。」

“Heaven gave birth to the multitude of the people; wherever there are things, there are corresponding principles.”

Here 蒸 = 衆 “the masses,” used as a phonetic loan.

《禮記》 (Book of Rites)

「烝民乃粒。」

“When the common people (蒸民) are nourished with grain...”

蒸 used again as “the multitudes.”