glyph

glyph

noun \ˈglif\

Definition of GLYPH

1

: an ornamental vertical groove especially in a Doric frieze

2

: a symbolic figure or a character (as in the Mayan system of writing) usually incised or carved in relief

3

: a symbol (as a curved arrow on a road sign) that conveys information nonverbally

— glyph·ic \ˈgli-fik\ adjective

Examples of GLYPH

1. <a rock inscribed with mysterious glyphs that some have speculated as being of Norse origin>

Origin of GLYPH

Greek glyphē carved work, from glyphein to carve — more at cleave

First Known Use: 1775

Related to GLYPH

Synonyms: character, icon (also ikon), sign, symbol

Related Words: cipher, letter, numeral; hieroglyph, ideogram, pictogram, pictograph; rune

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Rhymes with GLYPH

biff, cliff, diff, if, iff, jiff, miff, quiff, riff, skiff, sniff, spiff, spliff, stiff, syph, tiff, whiff