Definition of "hieroglyphic" in English

noun

1. (chiefly in the plural) A writing system of ancient Egypt, Minoans, Maya and other civilizations, using pictorial symbols to represent individual sounds, often as a rebus.

2. Any symbol used in this system; a hieroglyph.

3. (by extension) Undecipherable handwriting or secret symbol.

adjective

1. Of, relating to, or written with such a system of symbols.

   • hieroglyphic writing
   • hieroglyphic obelisk

2. Difficult to decipher.