scarab

/'skærəb/

Thân thiện

A scarab beetle rolls a ball of dung across the sand.

Definition

Noun: 1. A type of beetle: A scarab is a large, stout-bodied beetle, specifically one belonging to the family Scarabaeidae. 2. A sacred symbol: In ancient Egyptian religion, the scarab (often the species Scarabaeus sacer) was a sacred symbol of rebirth, regeneration, and the sun. Representations of this beetle, carved from stone or molded from faience, were used as amulets, seals, and jewelry.

Examples

• Archaeologists discovered a scarab amulet in the tomb, carved from lapis lazuli.
• The ancient Egyptians observed the scarab rolling a ball of dung, which they associated with the sun god Khepri rolling the sun across the sky.
• Many scarab artifacts have hieroglyphs inscribed on their flat underside.

Advanced Usage

• Scarab as a seal: In ancient Egypt, a scarab's flat base was often engraved with names, titles, or protective symbols, allowing it to be used as a personal or administrative seal to stamp impressions in clay or wax.
• Heart scarab: A specific type of large scarab amulet placed on a mummy's chest, intended to prevent the heart from testifying against the deceased during the final judgment.

Variants and Related Words

• Scarabaeid (adj): Relating to or denoting beetles of the family Scarabaeidae.
• Scarabaeoid (adj/n): Resembling a scarab beetle; also a member of a superfamily of beetles that includes scarabs.
• Dung beetle: A common name for scarab beetles that roll dung into balls.

Synonyms

• Dung beetle (for the living insect, specifically those that roll dung).
• Amulet (for the carved artifact).
• Seal (for the artifact when used for stamping).

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Scarab of the heart: A direct reference to the "heart scarab" amulet from Egyptian burial practices, symbolizing conscience and truth in the afterlife.

Học thuật

Noun

1. scarabaeid beetle considered divine by ancient Egyptians

Từ đồng nghĩa

• scarabaeus
• Scarabaeus sacer