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
ankara, ankaratra mountains, ankeny, anker, 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
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Examples from the Web for ankh
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
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Word Origin and History for ankh
ankh
tau cross with an oval at the top, Egyptian symbol of life, 1873, from Egyptian ankh, literally "life, soul." Also known as crux ansata.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper