noun
ankh
AHNGK/ɑːŋk/
An ancient Egyptian cross-shaped symbol with a loop at the top, representing life.
The ankh amulet has an oval loop above its crossbar.
Etymology
Egyptian ankh meant “life” or “soul.” The English name therefore identifies what the loop-topped cross symbolizes, rather than describing its shape.
In context
you'll see in the Queen's left hand that she's holding the ankh sign, the Egyptian uh way of writing the word for “life.”
More examples
- An ankh appears in the ancient Egyptian relief.
- The guide explained that the ankh represented life.
- She sketched the loop at the top of the ankh.
Forms
ankh · ankhs