cuneiform

1 of 2

adjective

cu·​ne·​i·​form kyü-ˈnē-ə-ˌfȯrm  ˈkyü-n(ē-)ə- 

1

: having the shape of a wedge

2

: composed of or written in wedge-shaped characters

cuneiform syllabary

cuneiform

2 of 2

noun

1

: a cuneiform part

specifically : a cuneiform bone or cartilage

2

: cuneiform writing

Illustration of cuneiform

• cuneiform 2

Examples of cuneiform in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Written in Akkadian cuneiform, the ancient inscription describes the purchase of a large amount of furniture. —Ashley Strickland, CNN, 16 Aug. 2024

Although the British Musuem acquired the tablets between 1892 and 1914, this recent breakthrough marks the first time the cuneiform has been completely translated and linked to a system of astronomical predictions. —Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Aug. 2024

Written in cuneiform—an ancient Middle Eastern script—the record details a purchase of wooden tables, chairs and stools by an unknown buyer. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Aug. 2024

Regan said these tablets were used by Sumerian scribes learning the cuneiform writing system. —Mary Carole McCauley, Baltimore Sun, 1 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

probably from French cunéiforme, from Middle French, from Latin cuneus + Middle French -iforme -iform

First Known Use

Adjective

1677, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1808, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

cuneiform

1 of 2 adjective

cu·​ne·​i·​form kyu̇-ˈnē-ə-ˌfȯrm  ˈkyü-n(ē-)ə- 

1

: having the shape of a wedge

2

: made up of or written with marks or letters shaped like wedges

cuneiform

2 of 2 noun

: cuneiform writing

Medical Definition

cuneiform

1 of 2 adjective

cu·​ne·​i·​form kyu̇-ˈnē-ə-ˌfȯrm  ˈkyü-n(ē-)ə- 

1

: of, relating to, or being a cuneiform bone or cartilage

2

of a human skull : wedge-shaped as viewed from above

cuneiform

2 of 2 noun

: a cuneiform bone or cartilage