scarab

American  

[skar-uhb] / ˈskær əb /

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.

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scarab British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of scarab

First recorded in 1570–80; short for scarabaeus

Example Sentences

The scarabs, oil lamp, mortars, and seal were all Canaanite.

From Literature

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

From Salon

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.

From Seattle Times

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

From Reuters

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

From Los Angeles Times