adjective

1. of, or having the nature of, hieroglyphics
2. written in hieroglyphics
3. hard to read or understand

Etymology: Fr hiéroglyphique < LL hieroglyphicus < Gr hieroglyphikos < hieros, sacred (see hiero-) + glyphein, to carve, hollow out: see glyph

noun

1. a picture or symbol representing a word, syllable, or sound, used by the ancient Egyptians and others instead of alphabetical letters
2. a method of writing using hieroglyphics; picture writing
3. a symbol, sign, etc. hard to understand
4. writing hard to decipher