摄氏度
shè shì dù · HSK 7
degrees centigrade
🌡️ 摄氏 = Celsius (the surname, transliterated) + 度 = degree/measure
摄氏 (shè shì) is the Chinese rendering of the surname Celsius, and 度 (dù) means degree or unit of measure. Same 度 shows up in 温度 (temperature) and 角度 (angle).
度 — 广 (shelter) + 庶 abbreviated (phonetic)
Originally depicted a hand measuring length under a shelter, meaning 'to measure' or 'a measure/standard.' From this came extended senses like 'degree,' 'extent,' and 'to pass through' (as in passing time). The reading 'dù' means degree/measure, while 'duó' preserves the older verbal sense of measuring.