ankh

[ angk ]
/ æŋk /

noun Egyptian Art.

a tau cross with a loop at the top, used as a symbol of generation or enduring life.

Origin of ankh

First recorded in 1885–90, ankh is from the Egyptian word ʿnh̬ live; apparently at least partially homophonous with word for “sandal strap,” hence stylized picture of sandal strap became symbol for life

Example sentences from the Web for ankh

British Dictionary definitions for ankh

ankh
/ (æŋk) /

noun

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

Word Origin for ankh

from Egyptian `nh life, soul