A strange term Petroglyphy, It comes to us from the Greek, π ε τ ρ α (petra, stone) γ λ υ π τ (glypt, sculpt). It is used almost exclusively by anthropologists and archaeologists to denote finds of carved stone.

It comes with an ancient conotation, perhaps this is what was intended when the word Petroglyph was synthesised as an authoritative word, considering early scientists love of the greek language as a device to obscure the everyday. As such the term is rarely, if ever, used by those who cut, carve or in any way mark stone, in Greek or English speaking cultures, unless of course they are being scientific.

Pe*trog"ly*phy (?), n. [Petro + Gr. to carve.]

The art or operation of carving figures or inscriptions on rock or stone.

 

© Webster 1913.

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