petroglyph

American  

[pe-troh-glif, pe-truh-] / ˈpɛ troʊˌglɪf, ˈpɛ trə- /

noun

1. an image, design, or message carved or drawn on rock by a member of an ancient or prehistoric people.

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petroglyph British  

/ ˈpɛtrəˌɡlɪf /

noun

1. a drawing or carving on rock, esp a prehistoric one

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Other Word Forms

• petroglyphic adjective
• petroglyphy noun

Etymology

Origin of petroglyph

First recorded in 1865–70; from French pétroglyphe; equivalent to petro- ¹ + glyph

Example Sentences

The petroglyphs can be found on volcanic tuff formations formed over 760,000 years ago when a large eruption released hot ash that settled over the region.

From Los Angeles Times

They said the monument status helped protect cultural resources, including petroglyphs and centuries-old cave dwellings.

From Los Angeles Times

He notes that the study is one of the first to center on rock art engravings, or petroglyphs, in the Amazon.

From Science Magazine

Some boulders are decorated with petroglyphs older than all of our leading presidential candidates put together.

From Los Angeles Times

According to NASA, one of the oldest recorded eclipses in human history may have been on Nov. 30, 3340 BCE, as petroglyphs were found at the Loughcrew Megalithic Monument in County Meath, Ireland.

From Salon