As a Noun: 1. A series or system of written symbols used to represent the sounds of speech, the units of signs in signed languages, numbers, amounts, or elements in something such as linguistics, music or mathematics. English = notation. 2. Letters, numbers, or other symbols that are written or printed in the unknown script of a foreign language. 3. The letters, numbers, and other symbols of the written script of the Chinese and related languages. English = Chinese characters, Japanese characters, kanji. 4. A symbol in a written language, such as a letter or number. English = character. As a Verb or Adjective: 1. To use written symbols to represent the sounds of speech, the units of signs in signed languages, numbers, amounts, or elements in linguistics, music or mathematics. English = notate. 2. To be unable to be read something because the writing system (script) is unknown, secret or very unclear. English = (be) indecipherable, (be) unreadable.