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

By chance, Jaime crosses paths with a mystical blue scarab that attaches itself to him, and he becomes the superhero Blue Beetle.

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In “Blue Beetle,” Reyes finds himself in possession of an ancient scarab named Khaji Da made of alien biotechnology that chooses Reyes as its symbiotic host.

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Jaime bonds with the scarab, which transforms into protective armor for him.

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One day, the patient was recounting a dream in which she’d received a golden scarab.

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The ancient Phoenicians, she added, made Egyptian-style jewelry, including rings with scarabs or cartouches of pharaohs.

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