scarabaeus

Thân thiện

A scarabaeus beetle rolls a small ball of dung across the sand.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of dung beetle (Scarabaeus sacer) held sacred in ancient Egypt: The word specifically refers to a large dung beetle species that was venerated as a symbol of rebirth and the sun god Khepri in ancient Egyptian religion and art.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The ancient Egyptians crafted amulets in the shape of a scarabaeus.
  • Archaeologists found a scarabaeus carved from lapis lazuli in the tomb.

Advanced Usage

• As a symbolic object: In archaeology and Egyptology, "scarabaeus" often refers not just to the living insect but to the stone or faience amulets, seals, or rings carved in its likeness.
  • The funerary scarabaeus was placed over the heart of the mummy.

Variants and Related Words

• Scarab (n): The more common, shortened form of "scarabaeus." It is used interchangeably in most contexts.
  • She collects Egyptian scarabs.

Synonyms

• Dung beetle: The general biological category for beetles of the family Scarabaeidae, which feed on dung.
• Sacred scarab: A direct descriptive synonym referencing its religious significance.

Học thuật

Noun

1. scarabaeid beetle considered divine by ancient Egyptians

Từ đồng nghĩa

• scarab
• Scarabaeus sacer