hieroglyphic

[ hahy-er-uh-glif-ik, hahy-ruh- ]

/ ˌhaɪ ər əˈglɪf ɪk, ˌhaɪ rə- /

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See synonyms for: hieroglyphic / hieroglyphics on Thesaurus.com

adjective

Also hi·er·o·glyph·i·cal. designating or pertaining to a pictographic script, particularly that of the ancient Egyptians, in which many of the symbols are conventionalized, recognizable pictures of the things represented.

inscribed with hieroglyphic symbols.

hard to decipher; hard to read.

noun

Also hi·er·o·glyph . a hieroglyphic symbol.

Usually hieroglyphics. hieroglyphic writing.

a figure or symbol with a hidden meaning.

hieroglyphics, handwriting, figures, characters, code, etc., difficult to decipher: the confusing hieroglyphics of advanced mathematics.

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Origin of hieroglyphic

1575–85; <Late Latin hieroglyphicus <Greek hieroglyphikós “pertaining to sacred writing.” See hiero-, glyph, -ic

OTHER WORDS FROM hieroglyphic

hi·er·o·glyph·i·cal·ly, adverb

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

How to use hieroglyphic in a sentence

The anaglyph was peculiar to the Egyptian priests; the hieroglyph generally known to the well educated.
The Caxtons, Complete|Edward Bulwer-Lytton
The signs are, of course, later than the picture-writing of the hieroglyph, and also later than the linear script suited to stone.
Sumerian Hymns|Frederick Augustus Vanderburgh
The only new hieroglyph is the pylon, rendered An in the cartouche.
Cleopatra's Needle|James King
Concerning the interpretation of these emblems, see Joan Pierii Hieroglyph.
A New System; or, an Analysis of Antient Mythology. Volume II. (of VI.)|Jacob Bryant

The figure of an obelisk is often used as a hieroglyph, and is generally represented standing on a low base.
Cleopatra's Needle|James King

British Dictionary definitions for hieroglyphic

hieroglyphic

/ (ˌhaɪərəˈɡlɪfɪk) /

adjective Also: hieroglyphical

of or relating to a form of writing using picture symbols, esp as used in ancient Egypt

written with hieroglyphic symbols

difficult to read or decipher

noun Also: hieroglyph

a picture or symbol representing an object, concept, or sound

a symbol or picture that is difficult to read or decipher

Derived forms of hieroglyphic

hieroglyphically, adverbhieroglyphist (ˌhaɪərəˈɡlɪfɪst, ˌhaɪəˈrɒɡ-), noun

Word Origin for hieroglyphic

C16: from Late Latin hieroglyphicus, from Greek hierogluphikos, from hiero- + gluphē carving, from gluphein to carve

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

hieroglyphic

Origin of hieroglyphic

OTHER WORDS FROM hieroglyphic

Words related to hieroglyphic

How to use hieroglyphic in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for hieroglyphic

Derived forms of hieroglyphic

Word Origin for hieroglyphic