Hai Collection, Lower Volume Radical: Glutinous Millet (shǔ) Kangxi Strokes: 17 Page 1518, Entry 05 Tang Rhymes (Tang yun): Pronounced nian (rising tone). Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), Rhyme Meetings (Yunhui), and Orthodox Rhymes (Zhengyun): Pronounced nian. Explanation of Writing (Shuowen): To adhere to one another. Broad Rhymes (Guang yun): Glutinous rice yeast. Also, according to the Rhyme Meetings (Yunhui): It is also written in a variant form (lian). Rites of Zhou (Zhou li), Winter Officials, Artificers Record, Wheelwrights: Even if there is deep mud, it will not stick (lian). Commentary: Zheng Sinong says: Lian is read as nian. Also a place name. History of the Former Han (Qian Han shu), Treatise on Geography: Nianchan County, Lelang Commandery. Also, according to the Orthodox Rhymes (Zhengyun): Pronounced nie (rising tone). Collected Rhymes (Jiyun): To be sticky. Orthodox Rhymes (Zhengyun): Adhesive and sticky. Also, to be thick or dense. Commonly written as nian.