hieroglyph — a character or symbol representing a word, phrase, or sound, especially those used in ancient Egyptian writing
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a character or symbol representing a word, phrase, or sound, especially those used in ancient Egyptian writing
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈhaɪrəɡlɪf/
Example Sentences
- The professor looked at the student's handwriting and joked, 'Is this English or hieroglyphs?'
- Modern emojis are like digital hieroglyphs that convey meaning through pictures.
- The Rosetta Stone was crucial in understanding Egyptian hieroglyphs.
hieroglyph
NOUN[/ˈhaɪrəɡlɪf/]
a character or symbol representing a word, phrase, or sound, especially those used in ancient Egyptian writing
The archaeologist traced each hieroglyph carved into the ancient tomb wall.
Study hieroglyphs on the cliff until your body grows stiff!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Greek hieroglyphikos, meaning 'sacred carving' or 'sacred writing.' The word combines hieros (sacred) and glyphē (carving or writing), referring to the ancient Egyptian writing system of symbolic characters.
Breakdown
hieros (sacred) + glyphē (carving/writing) + -ic (adjective suffix) = hieroglyphic; noun form hieroglyph
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The professor looked at the student's handwriting and joked, 'Is this English or hieroglyphs?'”
“Modern emojis are like digital hieroglyphs that convey meaning through pictures.”
“The Rosetta Stone was crucial in understanding Egyptian hieroglyphs.”
“My doctor's prescription looks like ancient hieroglyphs - completely unreadable!”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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