uraeus

[yoo-ree-uhs]

noun

plural

uraeuses 

1. the sacred asp as represented upon the headdress of divinities and royal personages of ancient Egypt, usually directly over the forehead, as an emblem of supreme power.

uraeus

/ jʊˈriːəs /

noun

1. the sacred serpent represented on the headdresses of ancient Egyptian kings and gods

Word History and Origins

Origin of uraeus¹

1825–35; < New Latin < Late Greek ouraîos, perhaps based ultimately on Egyptian yʿrt cobra, altered by association with Greek ouraîos of the tail; uro- ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of uraeus¹

C19: from New Latin, from Greek ouraios, from Egyptian uro asp

Example Sentences

Near the smaller piece, a rough-cut “uraeus,” or coiled cobra, was found.

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The piece is obscurely titled “Uraeus,” referencing the upright form of the Egyptian cobra associated with the serpent goddess Wadjet and used as a symbol of power on the crowns of the pharaohs.

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The kneeling figure, which has the negro type of features and wears the uraeus ornament, is apparently Tirhakah, his opponent in Egypt.

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The second was the discovery in the Valley of Kings, of Amenhotep III's own personal official Uraeus.

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But then the royal mien gave way to a sullen scowl as he hesitated between Charlemagne's Crown and Amenhotep's Uraeus.

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