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sarcophage

sarcophagus

noun sar-koh-FAHZH Rare
Arts & Culture Traditions

Origin: Greek sarkophagos, flesh-eating (limestone thought to dissolve bodies)

Usage Note

Sarcophage refers to a stone coffin, especially from ancient Egypt or Greece. The word's Greek origin literally means 'flesh-eater', referring to the limestone used in antiquity. It is also used figuratively in nuclear contexts for the concrete enclosure over a reactor.

Examples

"Le sarcophage du pharaon est exposé au musée."

Natural Translation

The pharaoh's sarcophagus is on display at the museum.

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