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

Explanation

A scarab was a sacred beetle in ancient Egypt. For many Egyptians, the scarab represented rebirth and resurrection. The scarab is a type of large black dung beetle known for its habit of rolling little balls of dung across the ground. This is part of the reason scarabs were revered by ancient Egyptians, who saw a parallel between this dung-rolling and their own sun god's daily rolling of the sun across the sky. Jewels cut and shaped to resemble these beetles are also called scarabs. The Greek root word is karabos, "horned beetle" or "crayfish."

Example Sentences

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

From Salon • Sep. 3, 2023

In a hilarious scene, the scarab attaches itself to Reyes, transforming the hesitant young adult into a superhero.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 17, 2023

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

From Reuters • Aug. 15, 2023

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

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 1, 2022

During his time in the desert, he had learned that, in Egypt, the scarab beetles are a symbol of God.

From "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho