hieroglyphic
UK: /ˌhaɪ.rəˈɡlɪf.ɪk/ | US: /ˌhaɪ.roʊˈɡlɪf.ɪk/
adj. relating to or written in hieroglyphs (symbolic characters used in ancient writing systems)
n. (hieroglyphics) the system of writing using hieroglyphs
The word "hieroglyphic" originates from Greek hieroglyphikos, combining hieros (sacred) and glyphein (to carve). It reflects the sacred nature of ancient Egyptian carvings, which were often used in religious or monumental contexts. The suffix -ic standardizes it as an adjective in English. The morphemes logically reconstruct the original spelling while preserving their semantic roles: "sacred carvings" → "hieroglyphic."
The tomb walls were covered in hieroglyphic inscriptions.
Scholars spent decades deciphering hieroglyphic scripts.
Her notebook resembled a mix of doodles and hieroglyphic symbols.
The Rosetta Stone was key to understanding hieroglyphic writing.
Ancient priests used hieroglyphic texts for rituals.