scutum

[ skyoo-tuhm ]

noun

plural: scuta [skyoo, -t, uh] genitive: Scuti [skoo, -tahy].

1. Zoology. scute ( def 1 ).
2. a large, oblong shield used by the heavy legionaries of ancient Rome.
3. genitive Scuti [skoo, -tahy]. (initial capital letter) Astronomy. the Shield, a southern constellation north of Sagittarius and east of Aquila, containing a small, very bright star cloud.

Scutum

¹

/ ˈskjuːtəm /

noun

1. a small faint constellation in the S hemisphere lying between Sagittarius and Aquila and crossed by the Milky Way Also calledScutum Sobieskiisɒˈbjɛskɪ

scutum

²

/ ˈskjuːtəm /

noun

1. the middle of three plates into which the notum of an insect's thorax is divided
2. See scute
   another word for scute
3. a large Roman shield

Word History and Origins

Origin of scutum¹

First recorded in 1765–75; from Latin scūtum “shield”

Word History and Origins

Origin of scutum¹

Latin, literally: the Shield

Origin of scutum²

Latin: shield

Example Sentences

And as four virgates went usually to each hide, so each virgate should contribute 116 of a scutum.

From Project Gutenberg

Among the several constellations one notes certain modern names such as “Scutum Subiescianum.”

From Project Gutenberg

The scutum and tergum, with the few exceptions above stated, are articulated together at a large or open angle.

From Project Gutenberg

Scutum and tergum articulated together, or overlapping each other; each branchia composed of a single plicated fold.

From Project Gutenberg

Finally, the whole valve, in proportion to the Scutum, is rather broader.

From Project Gutenberg