noun
hieroglyph
Hieroglyph (noun) means a single sign or symbol that forms part of a hieroglyphic writing system.
noun
1
A single sign or symbol that forms part of a hieroglyphic writing system.
"Hieroglyphs were discovered on the wall inside the temple."
2
Specifically, one of the symbols used in ancient Egyptian writing.
3
A symbol or mark that is hard to understand.
"With your handwriting, it's no surprise the Prof can't read your hieroglyphs!"
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Etymology
First recorded around 1598, as a back-formation from hieroglyphic (1580s). That word came from Middle French hiéroglyphique, from Late Latin hieroglyphicus, from Ancient Greek ἱερογλυφικός (hierogluphikós), used by Plutarch as τά ἱερογλυφικά [γράμματα], "hieroglyphic [writing]", and as ἱερόγλυφος (hierógluphos, "carver of hieroglyphs") by Ptolemy — a compound of ἱερός (hierós, "sacred, holy") and γλυφή (gluphḗ, "carved work"), itself a calque of Egyptian mdw-nṯr ("the god's word"), nTr-md. By surface analysis, it breaks down as hiero- + glyph.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for hieroglyph
See all rhymes for hieroglyph →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of hieroglyph?
"hieroglyph" (noun) means a single sign or symbol that forms part of a hieroglyphic writing system.
What is another word for hieroglyph?
Other words for "hieroglyph" include hieroglyphic.
What are the different meanings of hieroglyph?
"hieroglyph" has 3 main meanings: 1. A single sign or symbol that forms part of a hieroglyphic writing system; 2. Specifically, one of the symbols used in ancient Egyptian writing; 3. A symbol or mark that is hard to understand.
