scutum
/ˈskjutəm/
noun
- A large rectangular or oval shield used by ancient Roman soldiers.
- The legionary carried a curved scutum that protected his body from chin to knee.
- The museum displayed a replica of a Roman scutum found at the site of an ancient battle.
- Roman soldiers would lock their scuta together to form a tortoise formation.
- A hard, shield-like plate or structure on the body of some animals, such as certain insects, turtles, or armadillos.
- The beetle's scutum was covered in tiny ridges for protection.
- The turtle's scutum is part of its shell, made of bony plates.
- Scientists studied the scutum of the ancient fish to understand its armor.