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sarcófago

sarcophagus

noun sahr-KOH-fah-goh Rare
Arts & Culture Traditions

Origin: From Greek 'sarkophagos' (flesh-eating), referring to limestone thought to dissolve bodies.

Usage Note

Sarcófago refers to a stone coffin, typically ornate and above-ground, found in ancient Egyptian, Greek, or Roman contexts. The accent on the second syllable is essential; omitting it (sarcofago) is a spelling error. In Spanish the stress falls on the antepenultimate syllable, making it an esdrújula word.

Examples

"El sarcófago del faraón está en el museo."

Natural Translation

The pharaoh's sarcophagus is in the museum.

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