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uraeus

noun urae·us \ yu̇-ˈrē-əs \

Updated on: 6 Apr 2018

Definition of uraeus

plural uraei play \yu̇-ˈrē-ˌī\

: a representation of the sacred asp (Naja haje) appearing in ancient Egyptian art and especially on the headdress of rulers and serving as a symbol of sovereignty

Recent Examples of uraeus from the Web

According to a press release the front side of the relief depicts the head of a figure wearing a uraeus, or a cobra crown, a symbol of a pharaoh, though the lower half of the face is missing.

— jason daley, Smithsonian, "Rare Image of Early Female Pharaoh Found in University Collection," 26 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'uraeus.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Illustration of uraeus

Origin and Etymology of uraeus

New Latin, from Late Greek ouraios, a kind of snake

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First Known Use: 1832

in the meaning defined above

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