hieroglyphic

American  

[hahy-er-uh-glif-ik, hahy-ruh-] / ˌhaɪ ər əˈglɪf ɪk, ˌhaɪ rə- /

adjective

1. Also hieroglyphical. 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.

2. inscribed with hieroglyphic symbols.

3. hard to decipher; hard to read.

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noun

1. Also hieroglyph a hieroglyphic symbol.

2. Usually hieroglyphics. hieroglyphic writing.

3. a figure or symbol with a hidden meaning.

4. hieroglyphics, handwriting, figures, characters, code, etc., difficult to decipher.

   the confusing hieroglyphics of advanced mathematics.

hieroglyphic British  

/ ˌhaɪəˈrɒɡ-, ˌhaɪərəˈɡlɪfɪst, ˌhaɪərəˈɡlɪfɪk /

adjective

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

2. written with hieroglyphic symbols

3. difficult to read or decipher

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noun

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

2. a symbol or picture that is difficult to read or decipher

Other Word Forms

• hieroglyphically adverb
• hieroglyphist noun

Etymology

Origin of hieroglyphic

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

Example Sentences

Think of each as equivalent to a hieroglyphic image.

From Science Magazine • May 7, 2024

A math lesson, for instance, might feature hieroglyphic numerals.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 26, 2023

The roots of hieroglyphic writing can be traced to the time before the Early Dynastic Period when the first written symbols emerged.

From Textbooks • Apr. 19, 2023

At its centre are two players in elaborate headgear surrounded by hieroglyphic writing.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2023

Besides that, Toby thought they should each choose an Egyptian name—Marshall was already Marshamosis—and a hieroglyphic symbol that stood for the name.

From "The Egypt Game" by Zilpha Keatley Snyder