Magen David
1
6.5
- noun
- /ˈmɑːɡən ˈdɑːvɪd/
:
Estrella de David
- In many synagogues, the Magen David is displayed prominently on the walls as a sign of Jewish identity.
Examples
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The site of the sickly yellow Magen David, the six-point star synonymous with the Jews, pinned to the clothing of every future victim, is still enough to deliver chills.
Blog text (4) -
The Magen David is a prominent symbol at many Jewish festivals, representing unity and faith.
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During the celebration, they lit candles in front of a large Magen David that captured the essence of the holiday.
Synonyms
6
3.8
A six-pointed star that stands for Judaism
A six-pointed star made from two overlapping triangles used as a Jewish symbol
A six-pointed star made from two triangles, used as a Jewish symbol
A six-pointed star made by two equal triangles used as a symbol of Judaism
Surface Forms
Morphology
Magen + David
Although 'Magen David' literally comes from Hebrew meaning 'Shield (Magen) of David,' the conventional English referent is a six‑pointed star (the Star of David). A B1 learner who only knows the literal constituents would likely infer 'David's shield' or be confused by the unfamiliar Hebrew element, so the conventional symbolic meaning is not predictable from the parts. This cultural and lexicalized name therefore cannot be transparently derived from its components.
Etymology
Magen David, made from the words Magen and David, literally means 'Shield of David' and is a six-pointed star formed by two triangles placed over each other. One popular story says people used that star as a protective sign like a 'shield', so it became a common 'symbol of Judaism'.