glyph
noun
ˈglif 
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 (such as a curved arrow on a road sign) that conveys information nonverbally
glyphic
ˈgli-fik
adjective 
Synonyms
- character
- icon
- ikon
- sign
- symbol
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
a rock inscribed with mysterious glyphs that some have speculated as being of Norse origin
Recent Examples on the Web Acknowledging this state’s strong economic influence and mercantile activities, and the existence of three independent stone glyph inscriptions within its realm bearing a zero, this claim certainly has strong credibility. 
Scientific American, 28 July 2022 Even a satisfactory glyph for radioactivity couldn’t be identified (though many candidates were found wanting). Jonathon Keats, Forbes, 27 June 2022 It’s a geo glyph, and the walkways are shaped like a snail. Joanne Kempinger Demski, Journal Sentinel, 7 July 2022 Amid rubble buried beneath a Maya pyramid in Northern Guatemala, archaeologists found a broken bit of plaster with a glyph painted on it. Kiona N. Smith, Ars Technica, 15 Apr. 2022 On the back is an engraving of the sign's universal glyph, housed by its elemental symbol. Joseph Deacetis, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2021 The glyph has been interpreted a number of ways, including a composite map of space and a numerical calendar, a planting guide, a map of travels and a story about a great leader. Leah Hogsten, The Salt Lake Tribune, 27 Mar. 2021 Perhaps this was the most integral factor to piggybacking an entire legalization movement off a lowly, three-number glyph, affording enthusiasts a specific time to meetup, and potentially organize. Zoe Wilder, Rolling Stone, 19 Apr. 2021 The Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah believes the glyph depicts the story of a migration where many people experienced famine, drought, water crossings, cold, ice and hot sun and of a great Leader. Leah Hogsten, The Salt Lake Tribune, 27 Mar. 2021 See More
Scientific American, 28 July 2022 Even a satisfactory glyph for radioactivity couldn’t be identified (though many candidates were found wanting). Jonathon Keats, Forbes, 27 June 2022 It’s a geo glyph, and the walkways are shaped like a snail. Joanne Kempinger Demski, Journal Sentinel, 7 July 2022 Amid rubble buried beneath a Maya pyramid in Northern Guatemala, archaeologists found a broken bit of plaster with a glyph painted on it. Kiona N. Smith, Ars Technica, 15 Apr. 2022 On the back is an engraving of the sign's universal glyph, housed by its elemental symbol. Joseph Deacetis, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2021 The glyph has been interpreted a number of ways, including a composite map of space and a numerical calendar, a planting guide, a map of travels and a story about a great leader. Leah Hogsten, The Salt Lake Tribune, 27 Mar. 2021 Perhaps this was the most integral factor to piggybacking an entire legalization movement off a lowly, three-number glyph, affording enthusiasts a specific time to meetup, and potentially organize. Zoe Wilder, Rolling Stone, 19 Apr. 2021 The Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah believes the glyph depicts the story of a migration where many people experienced famine, drought, water crossings, cold, ice and hot sun and of a great Leader. Leah Hogsten, The Salt Lake Tribune, 27 Mar. 2021 See More Word History
Etymology
Greek glyphē carved work, from glyphein to carve — more at cleave
First Known Use
1775, in the meaning defined at sense 1
glyphs
noun
as in symbols
a written or printed mark that is meant to convey information to the reader a rock inscribed with mysterious glyphs that some have speculated as being of Norse origin Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- symbols
- signs
- letters
- characters
- icons
- hieroglyphs
- numerals
- runes
- pictograms
- ikons
- pictographs
- ciphers
- ideograms