ankh

[ ahngk, angk ]

nounEgyptian Art.

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

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

Also called an·sate cross [an-seyt kraws, kros] /ˈæn seɪt ˈkrɔs, ˈkrɒs/ .

Words Nearby ankh

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

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 Tutankhamen: Also called: ansate cross, crux ansata

Origin of 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

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