1 uraei | Definition of uraei
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uraeus

noun
urae·​us | \ yu̇-ˈrÄ“-É™s How to pronounce uraeus (audio) \
plural uraei\ yu̇-​ˈrÄ“-​ˌī How to pronounce uraei (audio) \

Definition of uraeus

: 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

Illustration of uraeus

Illustration of uraeus

Examples of uraeus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on 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.

First Known Use of uraeus

1832, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for uraeus

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

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Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with uraeus

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