Death's head: meaning, definitions and examples
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death's head
[ deθz hɛd ]
skull symbol
A representation of a human skull, often used as a symbol of death or mortality.
Synonyms
mortality emblem, skull symbol.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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death's head |
This term is often used in literature or conversations to symbolize death or danger. It has a foreboding and ominous connotation.
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skull symbol |
This is a more neutral term and can be used in everyday conversation. It might be used to describe various instances where a skull is depicted, often in fashion, logos, or warnings.
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mortality emblem |
This phrase is more formal and is often used in academic, philosophical, or artistic discussions to represent the concept of mortality and the transient nature of life.
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Examples of usage
- The death's head emblem was commonly used in medieval art.
- The death's head tattoo on his arm was a symbol of his dark past.
butterfly
A moth of the family Acherontiidae, characterized by a pattern on the thorax resembling a human skull.
Synonyms
Acherontia atropos, skull butterfly.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
death's head |
Used often in literature, art, or discussions about dark, gothic, or macabre themes to describe a depiction or symbol of a human skull, signifying mortality or danger.
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Acherontia atropos |
Used in scientific, entomological, or scholarly contexts to refer specifically to a species of moth known for its distinctive skull-like pattern on its thorax. This species is less commonly known by the general public and more frequently used in academic or scientific writing.
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skull butterfly |
Used in more casual or layman contexts to describe the same species of moth, Acherontia atropos, particularly when speaking to a general audience or children who may find the term more accessible and descriptive.
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Examples of usage
- The death's head moth is known for its unique markings resembling a skull.
- She was fascinated by the beauty of the death's head butterfly.
Translations
Translations of the word "death's head" in other languages:
🇵🇹 caveira
🇮🇳 मृत्यु का सिर
🇩🇪 Totenkopf
🇮🇩 kepala tengkorak
🇺🇦 череп
🇵🇱 czaszka
🇯🇵 髑髏 (dokuro)
🇫🇷 tête de mort
🇪🇸 calavera
🇹🇷 ölüm kafası
🇰🇷 죽음의 머리 (jukeum-ui meoli)
🇸🇦 جمجمة الموت (jumjuma al-mawt)
🇨🇿 lebka smrti
🇸🇰 lebka smrti
🇨🇳 骷髅头 (kūlóutóu)
🇸🇮 smrtna glava
🇮🇸 dauðahaus
🇰🇿 өлім басы
🇬🇪 სიკვდილის თავი (sikvdilis tavi)
🇦🇿 ölüm başı
🇲🇽 calavera
Etymology
The term 'death's head' originated in the late 16th century, combining 'death' and 'head' to refer to a representation of a human skull. The symbol has been used in various cultures and contexts to represent mortality, the macabre, or the passage of time. The image of a skull has long been associated with death and has appeared in art, literature, and folklore throughout history.