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

See Examples For:

scarab

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 “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 ● Aug. 17, 2023

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

From Reuters ● Aug. 15, 2023

He’s in search of a golden scarab, has a tattoo of scales on his arm that moves and desperately needs a hair cut.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 4, 2022

Liam waved the lighter over the white page with the black scarab.

From "Book Scavenger" by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman