adinkra

noun

adin·​kra ä-ˈdiŋ-krä 

: a writing system incorporating symbols representing various concepts that is used by the Akan peoples of Ghana to mark fabrics, walls, pottery, and other surfaces

—often used before another noun

Two murals from a Jackson Pollock workshop and two from a West African adinkra printing workshop are on display.

—Brooklyn Daily Eagle, 16 Apr. 2007

adinkra cloth [=cloth marked with adinkra symbols]

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Twi adiŋkrá "fabric dyed with red and black stripes and worn as mourning"

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!