In the ancient Egyptian language , the Nile is called á ` pÄ `` or iteru , meaning `` great river '' , represented by the hieroglyphs shown on the right ( literally itrw , and ` waters ' determinative ) . In Coptic , the words piaro ( Sahidic ) or phiaro ( Bohairic ) meaning `` the river '' ( lit . In the ancient Egyptian language , the Nile is called á ` pÄ `` or iteru , meaning `` great river '' , represented by the hieroglyphs shown on the left ( literally itrw , and ` waters ' determinative ) In Coptic , the words piaro ( Sahidic ) or phiaro ( Bohairic ) meaning `` the river '' ( lit .