Semeiography
/sɪˌmiːˈɒɡrəfi/noun
The description, representation, or systematic recording of signs and symbols.
Did you know?Its first element comes from Greek sēmeîon, “sign” or “token,” the same root behind semeiotics—the study of how signs create meaning, including medical symptoms and symbolic messages.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
sēmeîon (σημεῖον)
“A sign, mark, token, or signal—something used to indicate or reveal something else.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
graphḗ (γραφή)
“Writing, drawing, or written description.”
Ancient Greek / scholarly Greek
Greek
sēmeiographía (σημειογραφία)
“The recording or description of signs; formed from sēmeîon plus graphḗ.”
19th Century
English
semeiography
“A system or practice of representing signs, symbols, or significant marks in writing.”
Modern English
English
semeiography
“The description or systematic representation of signs and symbols.”
Explore more surprising origins