ankhs

Noun

ankh (plural ankhs)

1. A cross shaped like a T with a loop at the top, the Egyptian hieroglyph representing the Egyptian triliteral ꜥnḫ (“life”) and often used as an amulet or charm for this concept.
   • On temple wall paintings, the ankh is often seen being carried by gods who hold it up to the nose of the pharaoh. This gesture symbolizes the offering of the "breath of life" or eternity. Sometimes the pharaoh is also depicted with a stream of water in the form of ankhs being poured over him during...1994, Mira Bartok, Christine Ronan, Ancient Egypt and Nubia, page 11

   Synonyms:

   ansate cross, crux ansata, Egyptian cross, tau

2. A tau cross.