What is the literal meaning of the word "hieroglyph"?
A hieroglyph (Greek for "sacred writing") was a character of the ancient Egyptian writing system.. The word hieroglyphics refer to a hieroglyphic script. Unlike English, the hieroglyphic script was spelt exactly as it was sounded out. Only those privileged with an extensive education (i.e. the Pharaoh, nobility and priests) were able to read and write hieroglyphs.