scarab

[ skar-uhb ]

noun

1. any scarabaeid beetle, especially Scarabaeus sacer, regarded as sacred by the ancient Egyptians.
2. a representation or image of a beetle, much used among the ancient Egyptians as a symbol, seal, amulet, or the like.
3. a gem cut to resemble a beetle.

scarab

/ ˈskærəb /

noun

1. any scarabaeid beetle, esp Scarabaeus sacer ( sacred scarab ), regarded by the ancient Egyptians as divine
2. the scarab as represented on amulets, etc, of ancient Egypt, or in hieroglyphics as a symbol of the solar deity

Word History and Origins

Origin of scarab¹

First recorded in 1570–80; short for scarabaeus

Word History and Origins

Origin of scarab¹

C16: from Latin scarabaeus; probably related to Greek karabos horned beetle

Example Sentences

After the Christian era the influence of cult of the scarab was still felt.

From Project Gutenberg

The scarab it must be remembered was in the Egyptian thought, an androgyne.

From Project Gutenberg

Represented with the head and legs of a man the scarab was an emblem of Ptah.

From Project Gutenberg

Some figures have the scarab over the head, sometimes in place of the head.

From Project Gutenberg

It was made oval in the form of the base of the Egyptian scarab.

From Project Gutenberg