ankh

[ angk ]

/ æŋk /

noun Egyptian Art.

a tau cross with a loop at the top, used as a symbol of generation or enduring life.

Nearby words

anjou, ankara, ankaratra mountains, ankeny, ankerite, ankh, anking, ankle, ankle biter, ankle boot, ankle jerk

Origin of ankh

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for ankh

I led him forward a step, then picked up the ankh an' stood it on end.
The Blind Lion of the Congo|Elliott Whitney
In proof of this she showed us a fine little bronze Osiris holding a whip in one hand and the ankh in the other.
A Woman Named Smith|Marie Conway Oemler
The ankh and mummy-case were set down right in front of him.
The Blind Lion of the Congo|Elliott Whitney
No sooner had they deposited the ankh than Burt chanced to touch one of the pigmies in the dark.
The Blind Lion of the Congo|Elliott Whitney

Then come the two brothers carryin' the ankh between 'em on the spear.
The Blind Lion of the Congo|Elliott Whitney

British Dictionary definitions for ankh

ankh

/ (æŋk) /

noun

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

Word Origin for ankh

from Egyptian `nh life, soul

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012