cuneiform

[kyoo-nee-uh-fawrm, -fohrm]

cuneiform Definition

  • 1having the form of a wedge; wedge-shaped
  • 2denoting or relating to the wedge-shaped characters used in the ancient writing systems of Mesopotamia, Persia, and Ugarit, surviving mainly impressed on clay tablets.

Using cuneiform: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "cuneiform" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The cuneiform script was used in ancient Mesopotamia.

  • Example

    The cuneiform bones were discovered in China.

  • Example

    The cuneiform inscriptions on the tablets were deciphered by scholars.

cuneiform Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for cuneiform

Phrases with cuneiform

  • a system of writing used in ancient Mesopotamia, Persia, and Ugarit, consisting of wedge-shaped marks impressed into clay tablets with a stylus.

    Example

    The cuneiform writing system was one of the earliest forms of writing.

  • a small clay tablet with cuneiform writing on it, used for record-keeping in ancient Mesopotamia.

    Example

    The cuneiform tablets found at the archaeological site provided valuable information about ancient Mesopotamian society.

  • a mark or series of marks made in cuneiform writing on a surface, typically a clay tablet.

    Example

    The cuneiform inscriptions on the tablets were difficult to decipher.

Origins of cuneiform

from Latin 'cuneus', meaning 'wedge', and 'forma', meaning 'shape'

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Summary: cuneiform in Brief

The term 'cuneiform' [kyoo-nee-uh-fawrm, -fohrm] refers to something that has the shape of a wedge, such as a cuneiform tablet. It is also used to describe the wedge-shaped characters used in ancient writing systems of Mesopotamia, Persia, and Ugarit, which were impressed on clay tablets. Examples of usage include 'The cuneiform script was used in ancient Mesopotamia.' and 'The cuneiform inscriptions on the tablets were deciphered by scholars.'