Definition

A carving or drawing made on a rock surface, often created by ancient people to depict images or symbols.

Example

The archaeologists discovered a petroglyph that depicted animals and human figures.

Conversation

Have you ever seen a petroglyph up close?

No, I haven't! What are they like?

They're really fascinating; some are thousands of years old.

That sounds amazing! I'd love to see one someday.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Petroglyph → It is formed from "petro-" (from Greek "petra", meaning rock) and "glyph" (from Greek "glyphein", meaning to carve). The word refers to images or symbols that are carved into rock surfaces.

Memory Tip

Think of 'rock' ('petra') being 'carved' ('glyphein') to remember that a petroglyph is a carving on a rock.

Visually Confused Words