hieroglyphic

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

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.

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

/ ˌhaɪəˈrɒɡ-; ˌhaɪərəˈɡlɪfɪk; ˌhaɪərəˈɡlɪfɪst /

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

noun

1. a picture or symbol representing an object, concept, or sound
2. a symbol or picture that is difficult to read or decipher

Derived Forms

• ˌhieroˈglyphically, adverb
• hieroglyphist, noun

Other Words From

• hi·er·o·glyph·i·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of hieroglyphic¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of hieroglyphic¹

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

Example Sentences

Self-described “divine lords” at a Maya site called Tamarindito in what’s now Guatemala left glowing hieroglyphic tributes to themselves as heads of a powerful “Foliated Scroll” dynasty.

From Science News

Not for twenty necklaces and a whole file of hieroglyphic passes would she doubt Frank any more.

From Project Gutenberg

Moreover, the inscriptions on hieroglyphic rocks in these abandoned cities evidently refer to Amazons.

From Project Gutenberg

Of the Nahua hieroglyphic system and its capabilities enough has been said elsewhere.

From Project Gutenberg

We have first the Aztec monuments and hieroglyphic scrolls, for the most part undeciphered.

From Project Gutenberg

Pythagoras was the last of the Greek sages who made use of hieroglyphic writings and transmitted his doctrine in ancient language.

From Project Gutenberg