scarabaeus

[ skar-uh-bee-uhs ]

noun

, plural scar·a·bae·us·es, scar·a·bae·i [skar-, uh, -, bee, -ahy].

1. scarab ( defs 2, 3 ).

scarabaeus

/ ˌskærəˈbiːəs /

noun

1. a less common name for scarab

Word History and Origins

Origin of scarabaeus¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Latin; compare Greek kárabos kind of beetle

Example Sentences

There are many varieties of beetle, including a number of species representing the scarabaeus of the ancients.

From Project Gutenberg

A thousand mystic meanings were evolved from this first idea, each in some subtle sense connected with one or other of the daily acts or usages of life, so that scarabaei were multiplied ad infinitum.

From Project Gutenberg

Hereabouts, also, is the lower part of a kneeling statue of Sesostris, supporting an altar, with the scarabaeus, or sacred beetle.

From Project Gutenberg

The spot where we discovered the scarabaeus was on the coast of the mainland, about a mile eastward of the island, and but a short distance above high water mark.

From Project Gutenberg

I saw a collection of scarabaei, or beetles, which were anciently worshiped in this country.

From Project Gutenberg