脉络 màiluò arteries and veins
arteries and veins; network of blood vessels; vascular system (of a plant or animal); (figuratively) fabric (i.e. underlying structure, as in "social fabric"); overall context
How to remember 脉络: 脉 a pulse + 络 web = arteries and veins.
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How it is used
- The underlying threads / logical structure of something - 理清文章的脉络 (lǐqīng wénzhāng de màiluò) to sort out the article's line of reasoning.
- From 'blood vessels', it means the connective through-line of an argument, story, or history.
- Written register; pairs with 理清 / 梳理 (to tease out) - about following how the parts connect.