ankh / ängk/ • n. an object or design resembling a cross but having a loop instead of the top arm, used in ancient Egypt as a symbol of life.

ankh

Ankh

The Egyptian symbol of life, perhaps the life which remains after death. It takes the form of a cross with a loop instead of an upper vertical arm. It is conjectured that it symbolizes the union of the male and female principles, the origins of life, and that like the American cross, it typifies the four winds, the rain-bringers and fertilizers. It is usually carried in the right hand by Egyptian divinities. This symbol of a cross with a handle is also known as crux ansata.

ankh an object resembling a cross, but with a loop in place of the upper limb, used in ancient Egyptian art as a symbol of life. Recorded in English from the late 19th century, the word comes from Egyptian, and means literally ‘life, soul’.