Coptic

/ˈkɑptɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to the Copts, their church, or their ancient Egyptian language descended from pharaonic Egyptian.

Etymology

From 'Copt,' derived ultimately from Greek 'Aigyptos' (Egypt); Coptic language is the last stage of the ancient Egyptian language, using Greek letters.

Kelly Says

Coptic is the only living descendant of ancient Egyptian—when you read Coptic texts, you're reading a direct linguistic line back to the pharaohs, making it an incredible linguistic fossil that's still used liturgically.

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