ˈskarəb also -ker- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle French scarabée, from Latin scarabaeus; probably akin to Greek karabos horned beetle — more at caravel
1. or scarab beetle : any of various usually rather large beetles that have the clypeus expanded to cover the mouthparts, are typically dung beetles, and constitute the family Scarabaeidae ; especially : scarabaeus 1a
2. : a conventionalized representation of a scarabaeus commonly in stone or faïence usually having an inscription on the flat underside symbolizing the sun-god Khepera and widely used in ancient Egypt as a talisman, an ornament, and a symbol (as on a mummy) of resurrection — called also scarabaeus