uraeus

Meaning

Noun

• A representation of the sacred asp, symbolising supreme power in ancient Egypt.

Origin

• From Latin uraeus, from Ancient Greek οὐραῖος. This is traditionally assumed to be from Egyptian jꜥrt ("cobra in threat posture"), i-a:r:*t-I12, from jꜥr; however, on phonetic grounds, Gundacker, following Fecht, argues for an origin in Egyptian wrrt ("white crown") instead.