Definition & Meaning of "cuneiform"

Cuneiform

one of the earliest known writing systems in human history, characterized by wedge-shaped marks or symbols impressed on clay tablets using a stylus

What is "cuneiform"?

Cuneiform is one of the earliest systems of writing, developed by the Sumerians in ancient Mesopotamia around 3200 BCE. This writing system uses wedge-shaped marks made by pressing a stylus into soft clay tablets. Cuneiform originally represented pictographs, which evolved into symbols that conveyed sounds, words, and ideas. It was used for various purposes, including record-keeping, literature, and legal documents. As a versatile writing system, cuneiform adapted to several languages, such as Akkadian and Babylonian, making it a crucial tool for communication in ancient civilizations. Its significance in linguistics and history lies in its role in the development of writing and record-keeping, influencing many cultures over millennia.

cuneiform

ADJECTIVE

of or relating to the tarsal bones (or other wedge-shaped bones)

shaped like a wedge

cuneiform

Example

Early forms of writing, such as hieroglyphics and cuneiform, came before the invention of the alphabet.

Scholars deciphered the ancient cuneiform script on the clay tablet, revealing a hymn dedicated to the goddess Inanna.

The Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the earliest known works of literature, was written on a series of clay tablets in cuneiform script.

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Definition & Meaning of "cuneiform"

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