hieroglyphics

UK:^*^*UK and possibly other pronunciationsUK and possibly other pronunciations/ˌhaɪərəˈɡlɪfɪks/

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

hieroglyphics /ˌhaɪərəˈɡlɪfɪks/ n (functioning as singular or plural)

a form of writing, esp as used in ancient Egypt, in which pictures or symbols are used to represent objects, concepts, or sounds
difficult or undecipherable writing

hi•er•o•glyph•ic /ˌhaɪərəˈglɪfɪk, ˌhaɪrə-/USA pronunciation adj.

Also, ˌhi•er•oˈglyph•i•cal.

Linguisticsof a type of writing in which pictures or symbols represent ideas:The ancient Egyptians used a hieroglyphic system of writing.
hard to figure out;
hard to read.

Also, ˈhi•er•oˌglyph. a hieroglyphic symbol.
LinguisticsUsually, hieroglyphics. [plural] hieroglyphic writing.
hieroglyphics, [plural] characters or symbols that are difficult to understand.

hi•er•o•glyph•ic (hī′ər ə glif′ik, hī′rə-),USA pronunciation adj.

Also, hi′er•o•glyph′i•cal.
Linguisticsdesignating 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.
Linguisticsinscribed with hieroglyphic symbols.
hard to decipher;
hard to read.

Also, hi′er•o•glyph′. a hieroglyphic symbol.
LinguisticsUsually, hieroglyphics. hieroglyphic writing.
a figure or symbol with a hidden meaning.
hieroglyphics, handwriting, figures, characters, code, etc., difficult to decipher:the confusing hieroglyphics of advanced mathematics.

hi′er•o•glyph′i•cal•ly, adv.

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