ankh

American  

[angk, ahngk] / æŋk, ɑŋk /

noun

Egyptian Art.

1. a tau (T-shaped) cross with a loop at the top, used as a symbol of generation or enduring life.

---

ankh British  

/ æŋk /

noun

1. Also called: ansate cross.   crux ansata.  a tau cross with a loop on the top, symbolizing eternal life: often appearing in Egyptian personal names, such as Tutankhamen

---

Etymology

Origin of ankh

First recorded in 1885–90; from Egyptian ʿnh̬ “live”; apparently at least partially homophonous with word for “sandal strap,” hence stylized picture of sandal strap became symbol for life

Example Sentences

An Egyptian performer dressed as a pharaoh rode back and forth in a chariot wielding an ankh, the ancient Egyptian symbol of life, as a band played “Katyusha,” a Soviet-era patriotic war song.

From New York Times

She has three tattoos, including an ankh tattoo, the Egyptian symbol of life, on her ankle; a picture of a girl on her right thigh; and a tribal symbol below her chest.

From Los Angeles Times

He started dressing differently, wearing headwraps, multi-colored dashikis and long wooden necklaces with heavy ankhs dangling from the end.

From Salon

The brightly painted three-story facade was encrusted with ankhs, ibis and those uniquely postured pyramid builders who walked like Egyptians because that’s who they were.

From Washington Post

In Egypt, they were incorporated into the ankh, symbolizing the sun.

From Scientific American