Definition: Glyph

Etymology

First attested in 1727. From French glyphe, from Ancient Greek γλυφή or gluphḗ (carving), from γλύφω or glúphō (I carve, engrave).

Noun

glyph (plural glyphs)

1. A figure carved in relief or incised, especially representing a sound, word, or idea.
   1. Any of various figures used in Mayan writing.
2. Any non-verbal symbol that imparts information.
3. (typography, computing) A visual representation of a letter, character, or symbol, in a specific font and style.
4. (architecture) A vertical groove.
5. A land snail of the genus Glyphyalinia
6. Any of various black-and-white noctuid moths with figural-like wing patterns, such as those in Protodeltote, Deltote, and Maliattha.

Derived terms

• dendroglyph
• geoglyph
• homoglyph

Related terms

• anaglyph
• diglyph
• hieroglyph
• petroglyph
• triglyph

Credits

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