hieroglyphic

(hīˌər-ə-glĭfˈĭk, hīˌrə-) also hi·er·o·glyph·i·cal (-ĭ-kəl)

1. a. Of, relating to, or being a system of writing, such as that of ancient Egypt, in which pictorial symbols are used to represent meaning or sounds or a combination of meaning and sound.
   b. Written with such symbols.
2. Difficult to read or decipher.

1. a. A hieroglyph.
   b. Hieroglyphic writing, especially that of the ancient Egyptians. Often used in the plural with a singular or plural verb.
2. Something, such as illegible or undecipherable writing, that is felt to resemble a hieroglyph.

Related Forms:

• hiˌer·o·glyphˈi·cal·ly adverb