Hieroglyphics

[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.
/ˌhaɪərəˈɡlɪfɪks/
noun (functioning as singular or pl)
1.
a form of writing, esp as used in ancient Egypt, in which pictures or symbols are used to represent objects, concepts, or sounds
2.
difficult or undecipherable writing
/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.

1580s, from Greek ta hieroglyphika; see hieroglyphic + -ics.

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.
hieroglyphics [(heye-uhr-uh-glif-iks, heye-ruh-glif-iks)]

A system of writing with pictures that represent words or sounds. The ancient Egyptians wrote with hieroglyphics. (See Rosetta stone.)

Note: Present-day writing that is hard to decipher or understand is sometimes jokingly called “hieroglyphics.”