ankh

[ angk ]
/ æŋk /

noun Egyptian Art.

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

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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

Words nearby ankh

anjou, ankara, ankaratra mountains, ankeny, ankerite, ankh, anking, ankle, ankle biter, ankle boot, ankle jerk
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences 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 Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012