Skull and crossbones

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Skull and crossbones
In UnicodeU+2620 SKULL AND CROSSBONES
U+1F571 🕱 BLACK SKULL AND CROSSBONES
Related
See alsoU+2623 BIOHAZARD SIGN
U+2622 RADIOACTIVE SIGN

A skull and crossbones is a symbol consisting of a human skull and two long bones crossed together under or behind the skull.[1] The design originated in the Late Middle Ages as a symbol of death and especially as a memento mori on tombstones.

In modern contexts, it is generally used as a hazard symbol, usually in regard to poisonous substances, such as deadly chemicals.[1]

It is also associated with piracy and software piracy, due to its historical use in some Jolly Roger flags.

  1. ^ a b "Dictionary and Thesaurus". Merriam-webster.com.