ankh

[ ahngk, angk ]

nounEgyptian Art.
  1. a tau (T-shaped) cross with a loop at the top, used as a symbol of generation or enduring life.

Origin of ankh

1
First recorded in 1885–90; from Egyptian ʿnh̬ “live”; apparently at least partially homophonous with word for “sandal strap,” hence stylized picture of sandal strap became symbol for life
  • Also called an·sate cross [an-seyt kraws, kros] /ˈæn seɪt ˈkrɔs, ˈkrɒs/ .

Words Nearby ankh

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use ankh in a sentence

  • The largest was formed of half amber and half gold beads, and held a large pendant in the shape of the ankh.

    The Blind Lion of the Congo | Elliott Whitney
  • Taking a spear from Mbopo he passed it through the loop of the golden ankh and signed to the two brothers to raise it.

    The Blind Lion of the Congo | Elliott Whitney
  • Then came the two brothers of Mbopo, carrying the golden ankh between them on a spear, while a third man bore the mummy-case.

    The Blind Lion of the Congo | Elliott Whitney
  • No sooner had they deposited the ankh than Burt chanced to touch one of the pigmies in the dark.

    The Blind Lion of the Congo | Elliott Whitney
  • The ankh merely vibrates to evil because of the closed loop at the top, which makes a return circuit.

    The Eyes Have It | Gordon Randall Garrett

British Dictionary definitions for ankh

ankh

/ (æŋk) /


noun
  1. a tau cross with a loop on the top, symbolizing eternal life: often appearing in Egyptian personal names, such as Tutankhamen: Also called: ansate cross, crux ansata

Origin of ankh

1
from Egyptian `nh life, soul

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012