ankh

[ ahngk, angk ]

/ ɑŋk, æŋk /

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noun Egyptian Art.

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

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Also called an·sate cross

[an-seyt kraws, kros] /ˈæn seɪt ˈkrɔs, ˈkrɒs/ .

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

Words nearby ankh

Anjou, Ankara, Ankaratra Mountains, Ankeny, ankerite, ankh, Anking, ankle, ankle biter, anklebone, ankle boot

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use ankh in a sentence

The largest was formed of half amber and half gold beads, and held a large pendant in the shape of the ankh.
The Blind Lion of the Congo|Elliott Whitney
Taking a spear from Mbopo he passed it through the loop of the golden ankh and signed to the two brothers to raise it.
The Blind Lion of the Congo|Elliott Whitney
Then came the two brothers of Mbopo, carrying the golden ankh between them on a spear, while a third man bore the mummy-case.
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

The ankh merely vibrates to evil because of the closed loop at the top, which makes a return circuit.
The Eyes Have It|Gordon Randall Garrett

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