Nosferatu refers to a type of vampire, often depicted as a monstrous and ghastly figure, notably popularized by the 1922 silent film "Nosferatu" directed by F.W. Murnau. The term is derived from the Romanian word "nosferatu," which means "undead" or "vampire." Unlike the more romanticized versions of vampires in literature, Nosferatu typically embodies a more grotesque and eerie appearance, symbolizing the fear of the unknown and the supernatural. This character has since influenced various adaptations and portrayals of vampires in popular culture.