hieratic
pronunciation
How to pronounce hieratic in British English:
UK [ˌhaɪə'rætɪk]
How to pronounce hieratic in American English:
US ['haɪə'rætɪk]
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- Noun:
- a cursive form of Egyptian hieroglyphics; used especially by the priests
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- Adjective:
- associated with the priesthood or priests
- written or belonging to a cursive form of ancient Egyptian writing
- adhering to fixed types or methods; highly restrained and formal
Word Origin
- hieratic (adj.)
- "pertaining to sacred things," 1650s (implied in hieratical), from Latin hieraticus, from Greek hieratikos "pertaining to a priest or his office, priestly," from hierateia "priesthood," from hiereus "priest," from hieros "sacred, holy, hallowed; superhuman, mighty; divine" (see ire).