noun, noun, used as a suffix
Technical term in mathematics and chemistry for a regular, repeating arrangement of points or atoms.
結晶は原子が規則正しく並んだ束構造を持つ。
Crystals have a lattice structure in which atoms are regularly arranged.
noun, noun, used as a suffix, counter
counter for large bundles
Used for counting large bundles, especially traditional units: 10 sheaves of rice, 200 sheets of calligraphy paper, 20 whistling arrows, or 100 fish. Rare in modern everyday counting.
この地域では、稲を束で数える習慣が残っている。
In this region, the custom of counting rice in bundles (束) remains.
noun, noun, used as a suffix, counter
handbreadth (arrow measurement)
Historical unit for measuring arrow length, equal to the width of a hand. Not used in modern contexts.
古文書には矢の長さを束で表した記述が見られる。
In old documents, arrow lengths are sometimes expressed in 束.
noun
Anatomical term for a bundle of muscle or nerve fibers.
筋肉は多数の筋束から構成されている。
Muscles are composed of many muscle fascicles.
The kanji 束 originally depicts a tied bundle. The reading そく is the Sino-Japanese on'yomi, used in technical and historical counting contexts.