What does hieroglyphical mean?
Hieroglyphical is a formal adjective relating to hieroglyphics or consisting of hieroglyphic symbols. Hieroglyphic writing is a system in which graphical signs represent words, syllables, or sounds rather than individual alphabetic letters. The term is especially associated with ancient Egyptian inscriptions, although hieroglyphic systems have existed in other cultures and periods as well. "Hieroglyphical" can describe writing, symbols, inscriptions, or an interpretation of them, but the shorter form "hieroglyphic" is much more common in contemporary English. Because the word is specialized and somewhat formal, it is especially useful in museum, archaeological, historical, and linguistic contexts. Its Greek roots also provide a memorable link to the original terminology: "hieroglyphical" ultimately means associated with sacred carvings.
adjectiveOf, relating to, or consisting of hieroglyphics: written in or employing symbols that represent words, syllables, or sounds.
- Relating to, consisting of, or expressed through hieroglyphic symbols.
"The museum displayed a stone slab covered in hieroglyphical inscriptions."
"Her hieroglyphical analysis of the inscription helped scholars identify the royal cartouche."
"The museum used enlarged photographs to reveal the hieroglyphical writing on the tablet."
Hieroglyphical writing leads back to words that literally meant "sacred carvings."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hieroglyphical come from?
The word derives from Greek hieros, meaning "sacred," and glyphein, meaning "to carve." It entered English through Latin forms based on these Greek elements, with the English adjective formed from hieroglyph plus the suffix -ical. The same roots produced related forms such as hieroglyph, hieroglyphy, and hieroglyphics.
Related word forms
How hieroglyphical is actually used
This is a formal and relatively uncommon adjective. It is most natural before a noun such as "writing," "symbols," or "inscriptions"; "hieroglyphic" is generally preferred in modern usage.
Easily confused with hieroglyphical
Both are adjectives relating to hieroglyphic writing, but "hieroglyphic" is the shorter and more usual form, while "hieroglyphical" is a less common variant often used before a noun.