Midden: meaning, definitions and examples

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midden

 

[ หˆmษชd.ษ™n ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

archaeological term

A midden is a dump for domestic waste that can provide valuable archaeological information. It typically consists of a mound or deposit containing a variety of materials, such as food remains, shells, bones, and artifacts. Midden deposits are significant for understanding past human behavior and dietary practices.

Synonyms

dump, refuse heap, trash pile.

Examples of usage

  • The archaeologist studied the contents of the ancient midden.
  • Artifacts found in the midden revealed the dietary habits of the community.
  • Excavating the midden provided insights into the daily lives of early settlers.

Translations

Translations of the word "midden" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น estrume

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เคšเคฐเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Mist

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ tumpukan sampah

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฒั–ะดั…ะพะดะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ gnojowisko

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅ †่‚ฅ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท fumier

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ estiรฉrcol

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท gรผbre

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํ‡ด๋น„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุณู…ุงุฏ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ hnoj

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ hnoj

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่‚ฅๆ–™

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ gnojevka

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ mรณl

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะบาฏะนะต

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฌแƒแƒ›แƒแƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ gรผbrษ™

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ estiรฉrcol

Etymology

The word 'midden' comes from the Old Norse word 'miรฐr', which means 'middle' or 'centre', combined with the suffix '-en', which is related to the act of placing or putting something. The term has evolved in its use, especially in archaeology, to describe specific sites that are rich in organic refuse and can reveal significant details about ancient living conditions. Traditionally, middens are found near coastal areas where fish and shellfish were abundant, making them essential for understanding the diet and activities of prehistoric peoples. The study of middens has helped researchers reconstruct historical environments and understand how ancient cultures interacted with their surroundings.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,538, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.