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hieroglyphic

1 of 2noun
/ˌhaɪərəˈɡlɪfɪk/
Forms:hieroglyphics
1

a system of writing using symbols or pictures, originally used by the ancient Egyptians

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  • Understanding hieroglyphics requires knowledge of both the symbols and the context in which they were written.
  • The golden plate was inscribed with hieroglyphics that told a story of droughts and prosperity.
  • Museum experts were called to interpret the hieroglyphics on the newly discovered artifact.
Synonyms:
2

hard-to-read writing that resembles ancient picture script in its complexity or obscurity

  • His notes were a mess of hieroglyphics no one could interpret.
  • The doctor's prescription looked like pure hieroglyphics.
  • I couldn't read her hieroglyphics on the sticky note.
  • The chalkboard was filled with mathematical hieroglyphics.
  • His handwriting was so bad it might as well have been hieroglyphics.
Synonyms: