Pronunciation: /kjuːˈniːəˌfɔːrm/

Definitions of cuneiform

noun a system of writing used in ancient Mesopotamia, characterized by wedge-shaped characters impressed on clay tablets

Example Sentences

A1 Cuneiform is an ancient writing system.

A2 Students in the archaeology class studied cuneiform tablets.

B1 The discovery of the Rosetta Stone helped scholars decipher cuneiform inscriptions.

B2 Cuneiform script was used by the ancient Mesopotamians to record important information.

C1 Learning to read cuneiform requires a deep understanding of ancient languages and cultures.

C2 Scholars have made significant advancements in translating cuneiform texts in recent years.

Examples of cuneiform in a Sentence

formal The study of ancient civilizations often involves deciphering cuneiform inscriptions.

informal Have you seen those cuneiform tablets at the museum? They're really cool.

slang I tried to write my name in cuneiform but it just looks like scribbles.

figurative The cuneiform of her emotions was unreadable, leaving him confused about how she truly felt.

Grammatical Forms of cuneiform

plural

cuneiforms

comparative

more cuneiform

superlative

most cuneiform

present tense

cuneiforms

future tense

will cuneiform

perfect tense

has cuneiformed

continuous tense

is cuneiforming

singular

cuneiform

positive degree

very cuneiform

infinitive

to cuneiform

gerund

cuneiforming

participle

cuneiformed

Origin and Evolution of cuneiform

First Known Use: 0019 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The word 'cuneiform' comes from the Latin word 'cuneus' meaning wedge and 'forma' meaning shape, referring to the wedge-shaped characters used in ancient writing systems.
Evolution of the word: The term 'cuneiform' was first used in the 19th century to describe the ancient writing system of Mesopotamia. Over time, it has come to specifically refer to the wedge-shaped script used by the Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians.