petroglyph
nounUK /ˈpɛ.tɹəˌɡlɪf/ · US /ˈpɛ.tɹəˌɡlɪf/
Etymology From French pétroglyphe, from Ancient Greek πέτρα (pétra, “rock”) + γλυφή (gluphḗ, “carved work”). By surface analysis, petro- + glyph.
1
Archaeology, History, Human sciences, Sciences A rock carving, especially one made in prehistoric times.
- The petroglyphs of Central Asia form a long sequence from the Neolithic onwards.1998, Henri-Paul Francfort, “17: Central Asian petroglyphs: between Indo-Iranian and shamanistic interpretations”, in Paul S. C. Taçon, editor, The Archaeology of Rock-Art, page 302:
- Ninety-six petroglyph sites were reported in the original study (DiazGranados 1993). The majority of the petroglyphs are worn.2000, Carol Diaz-Granados, James R. Duncan, The Petroglyphs and Pictographs of Missouri, page 102:
1 more example
- The islands of Tonga are not known for petroglyphs; however, one of the frontal stones of a langi called Mala'e Lahi on 'Uiha Island has one petroglyph of a human foot.2001, Georgia Lee, “18: Oceania”, in David S. Whitley, editor, Handbook of Rock Art Research, page 578:
- Derived terms
- petroglyphic, petroglyphy
- Related terms
- pictograph