glyph

noun
UK /ɡlɪf/
US /ɡlɪf/

A glyph is a small picture or shape that stands for a word or sound.

The ancient stone was covered with strange glyphs.

SYNONYMS

symbolsigncharacteremblemmark

RELATED WORDS

hieroglyphpictographideograminscriptionrunes

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A carved or engraved figure, such as on a building or monument.

The temple wall was decorated with a carved glyph of a sun.

3. A small graphic symbol used in computing to display a character.

The font includes a glyph for every letter and punctuation mark.

4. An ornamental groove or channel in architecture.

The column had a vertical glyph running down its side.