skull and crossbones

• Symbole constitué d'un crâne humain au-dessus de deux os longs croisés, traditionnellement utilisé sur les drapeaux pirates pour signaler le danger ou la mort, et aujourd'hui souvent employé comme avertissement pour les substances toxiques ou les matières dangereuses.

A symbol consisting of a human skull above two crossed long bones, traditionally used on pirate flags to signify danger or death, and now commonly used as a warning label for poisonous substances or hazardous materials.

1. Symbol of death or dangerB1formal

   A symbol consisting of a human skull above two crossed bones, traditionally used to represent death, poison, or piracy.

   tête de mort

   • The pirate ship flew a black flag with a skull and crossbones.
   • Poison bottles are often labeled with a skull and crossbones.
   • The skull and crossbones is a universal warning sign for toxic substances.

2. Pirate flagA2informal

   The Jolly Roger flag used by pirates to identify themselves and intimidate their targets.

   tête de mort

   • The crew raised the skull and crossbones before attacking the merchant ship.
   • In movies, pirates always sail under the skull and crossbones.
   • The skull and crossbones became the iconic emblem of piracy.