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Avestan

Avestan

9.9
The writing system used for the Avesta texts
  • noun
  • /əˈvɛstən/
  • Specialized
: escritura avéstica
  • Scholars have studied the Avestan script to better understand Zoroastrian religious texts.

Examples

  • The inscription was written entirely in Avestan, making it difficult for most people to read.

  • Many ancient manuscripts in Avestan have been carefully preserved in Iranian museums.

  • The ancient texts were written in Avestan.

  • Many scholars study Avestan for its historical significance.

  • Many ancient manuscripts in Avestan have been carefully preserved in Iranian museums.

  • Scholars have studied the Avestan script to better understand Zoroastrian religious texts.

  • The inscription was written entirely in Avestan, making it difficult for most people to read.

Compounds

Avestan language
  • Specialized
9.9

Ancient Iranian language used to write the holy books of Zoroastrianism

Surface Forms

Avestan singular
Avestans plural

Morphology

Avestan = Avesta (transparent) = Avesta + an

The script name is formed from the name of the Avesta with the productive suffix '-an', signaling relation to the texts and language.

Etymology

Avestan also refers to the writing used for the book Avesta, so Avestan can mean 'the script' or the letters used to write that sacred text'.