uraeus

[ yoo-ree-uhs ]

noun

, plural u·rae·us·es.

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

She was dressed in priestly robes and wore a costly head-dress with the winged disc and the Uraeus.

From Project Gutenberg

All wisdom is in the mouth of thy majesty; Thy uraeus is on thy forehead, thou drivest away the miserable.

From Project Gutenberg

The next morning, Amenhotep's Uraeus was gone and the corpse of Jason's man was found—part of it.

From Project Gutenberg

Without doubt it was the uraeus, that symbol which only the royalties of Old Egypt dared to wear.

From Project Gutenberg

The Uraeus or snake worn in the crowns and head-dresses of the Pharaohs was a symbol of royalty.

From Project Gutenberg