hieroglyphic

American  

[hahy-er-uh-glif-ik, hahy-ruh-] / ˌhaɪ ər əˈglɪf ɪk, ˌhaɪ rə- /

adjective

1. Also hieroglyphical. designating or pertaining to a pictographic script, particularly that of the ancient Egyptians, in which many of the symbols are conventionalized, recognizable pictures of the things represented.

2. inscribed with hieroglyphic symbols.

3. hard to decipher; hard to read.

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noun

1. Also hieroglyph a hieroglyphic symbol.

2. Usually hieroglyphics. hieroglyphic writing.

3. a figure or symbol with a hidden meaning.

4. hieroglyphics, handwriting, figures, characters, code, etc., difficult to decipher.

   the confusing hieroglyphics of advanced mathematics.

hieroglyphic British  

/ ˌhaɪəˈrɒɡ-, ˌhaɪərəˈɡlɪfɪst, ˌhaɪərəˈɡlɪfɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to a form of writing using picture symbols, esp as used in ancient Egypt

2. written with hieroglyphic symbols

3. difficult to read or decipher

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noun

1. a picture or symbol representing an object, concept, or sound

2. a symbol or picture that is difficult to read or decipher

Other Word Forms

• hieroglyphically adverb
• hieroglyphist noun

Etymology

Origin of hieroglyphic

1575–85; < Late Latin hieroglyphicus < Greek hieroglyphikós “pertaining to sacred writing.” See hiero-, glyph ( def. ), -ic ( def. )

Example Sentences

These include the Rosetta Stone, the key to deciphering hieroglyphics, which is on display at the British Museum in London.

From BBC

The Rosetta Stone, found in 1799, provided the key to deciphering hieroglyphics; it was discovered by the French army and was seized by the British as war booty.

From BBC

A golden vent rests at its top, the figures on its grille appearing like alien hieroglyphics.

From Los Angeles Times

Think of each as equivalent to a hieroglyphic image.

From Science Magazine

In his short but intense career, Haring’s pulsating figures became an inextricable part of New York City life, like ancient hieroglyphics that weren’t as much drawn as unearthed.

From New York Times