hieratic

hi·er·at·ic

adj \ˌhī-(ə-)ˈra-tik\

Definition of HIERATIC

1

: constituting or belonging to a cursive form of ancient Egyptian writing simpler than the hieroglyphic

2

: sacerdotal

3

: highly stylized or formal <hieratic poses>

— hi·er·at·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Origin of HIERATIC

Latin hieraticus sacerdotal, from Greek hieratikos, from hierasthai to perform priestly functions, from hieros sacred; probably akin to Sanskrit iṣara vigorous

First Known Use: 1669

Rhymes with HIERATIC

achromatic, acrobatic, aerobatic, anabatic, antistatic, aromatic, Asiatic, astigmatic, autocratic, automatic, bureaucratic, charismatic, cinematic, democratic, diplomatic, Eleatic, emblematic, enzymatic, Hanseatic, Hippocratic, hydrostatic, kerygmatic, kleptocratic, melismatic, mobocratic, monocratic, morganatic, numismatic, operatic, phallocratic, photostatic, plutocratic, pre-Socratic, problematic, programmatic, symptomatic, systematic, technocratic, theocratic, thermostatic, undogmatic, undramatic