Definition of Ethiopic alphabet
: an alphabet of South Semitic origin in which the vocalization is indicated by modification of the basic character (as by the addition of small appendages or by shortening or lengthening of one of the main strokes) and in use since the 4th century a.d. in writing Ethiopic and since about 1600 in adapted form also for Amharic, Tigre, and Tigrinya
