hieratic

adjective

hi·​er·​at·​ic ˌhī-(ə-)ˈra-tik How to pronounce hieratic (audio)
1
: constituting or belonging to a cursive form of ancient Egyptian writing simpler than the hieroglyphic
2
: sacerdotal
3
: highly stylized or formal
hieratic poses
hieratically
ˌhī-(ə-)ˈra-ti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce hieratic (audio)
adverb

Examples of hieratic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Sienese painting represents a rupture in world art, breaking from Gothic flatness and hieratic Byzantine art. — Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 18 Oct. 2024 The men performing the task of mixing moved with slow hieratic movements of great deliberation. — Rob Crossan, JSTOR Daily, 21 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin hieraticus sacerdotal, from Greek hieratikos, from hierasthai to perform priestly functions, from hieros sacred; probably akin to Sanskrit iṣara vigorous

First Known Use

1669, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hieratic was in 1669

Rhymes for hieratic

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Browse Nearby Words

hierarchy
hieratic
hieratite
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Cite this Entry

“Hieratic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hieratic. Accessed 6 Apr. 2025.

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