Sarcophagus
/sɑːrˈkɒf.ə.ɡəs/noun
A stone coffin, typically adorned with a sculpture or inscription.
Did you know?Ancient Greeks believed that sarcophagi could accelerate the decomposition of the body, hence the name 'flesh-eater'.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
σάρξ (sarx) + φάγος (phagos)
“Flesh + eater, referring to the material's ability to decompose flesh.”
Latin
Latin
sarcophagus
“A stone coffin used for burial, derived directly from Greek.”
Middle English
Middle English
sarcophag
“Adoption of the Latin term into English texts.”
Modern English
English
sarcophagus
“The contemporary term for a decorative stone coffin, retaining its original connotation.”
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