Hieroglyph
[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.
noun
4.
Also, hieroglyph. a hieroglyphic symbol.
5.
Usually, hieroglyphics. hieroglyphic writing.
6.
a figure or symbol with a hidden meaning.
7.
hieroglyphics, handwriting, figures, characters, code, etc., difficult to decipher:
the confusing hieroglyphics of advanced mathematics.
/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
noun
4.
a picture or symbol representing an object, concept, or sound
5.
a symbol or picture that is difficult to read or decipher
n.
1590s, shortening of hieroglyphic (n.), 1590s; see hieroglyphic.
1580s (adj. and n.), from Late Latin hieroglyphicus, from Greek hieroglyphikos “hieroglyphic; of Egyptian writing,” from hieros “sacred” (see ire) + glyphe “carving,” from glyphein “to carve” (see glyph). Plutarch began the custom of using the adjective (ta hieroglyphika) as a noun.
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[hahy-er-uh-glif-ist, hahy-ruh-, hahy-uh-rog-luh-fist, hahy-rog-] /ˌhaɪ ər əˈglɪf ɪst, ˌhaɪ rə-, ˌhaɪ əˈrɒg lə fɪst, haɪˈrɒg-/ noun 1. a person who studies hieroglyphics; hieroglyphologist. 2. a person who writes in hieroglyphics.
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[hahy-er-uh-gli-fol-uh-jee, hahy-ruh-] /ˌhaɪ ər ə glɪˈfɒl ə dʒi, ˌhaɪ rə-/ noun 1. the study of hieroglyphic writing. noun the study picture writing, esp. hieroglyphics Word Origin Greek hieros + glyphein ‘to carve’