glyph
/ɡlɪf/ (bre, ipa) · /ɡlɪf/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈglif/ (ame, mw)
glyph — noun
- glyphsingular
- glyphsplural
1. A carved or drawn picture that stands for a whole word or idea, used especially
A carved or drawn picture that stands for a whole word or idea, used especially in early writing systems such as those of the ancient Egyptians or the Maya people.
The guide showed the children how each glyph in an ancient temple told a story.
glyph + in + [location]
Amelia spent two years studying the carved glyphs on stone pillars in a ruined city.
carved glyphs + on stone
On a tomb wall, a single glyph showed the queen's name beside the sun god.
Sun-hee compared the Mayan glyphs with writing symbols from other ancient cultures around the world.
- hieroglyph
specifically refers to Egyptian carved symbols, not other ancient scripts
- pictogram
broader term — any picture representing an idea, including modern signs; less tied to carving or stone
- character
general term for any written mark; less specific than glyph
- symbol
very broad; a glyph is always a symbol, but symbols include letters and abstract marks too
文法句型
glyph + of + noun (glyph of a bird)
glyph + on + noun (glyph on the wall)
用法筆記
Often appears in archaeology and anthropology contexts. Distinguish from 'hieroglyph', which specifically refers to the writing system of ancient Egypt — all hieroglyphs are glyphs but the reverse is not true.
2. A small, simple picture used on computer screens, signs, or maps to show informa
A small, simple picture used on computer screens, signs, or maps to show information or give instructions without using words.
The map uses a small house glyph to show where the tourist centre is located.
glyph on a map — showing location
Ravi tapped the envelope glyph on his phone screen to open his email messages.
glyph + on + phone screen
Airport road signs use simple glyphs so travellers from any country can understand them.
The designer chose a hand-shaped glyph for the call button to be easy to find.
Each night-market stall had a picture glyph showing what it sold, like noodles or dumplings.
文法句型
glyph + on + noun (glyph on the screen)
glyph + for + noun (glyph for the settings menu)
用法筆記
Common in computing and interface design. More technical than the everyday word 'icon' — glyph often suggests a simpler, more standardized symbol used across contexts.