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Mummification: meaning, definitions and examples

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mummification

 

[ mʌməfɪˈkeɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

ancient practice

Mummification is the process of preserving a body after death to prevent decomposition. This practice was most famously used in ancient Egypt, where it was believed to be crucial for the afterlife.

Synonyms

drying, embalming, preservation

Examples of usage

  • The mummification of Pharaohs was an elaborate process.
  • Archaeologists discovered the remains of a mummified cat.
  • Mummification rituals varied across different cultures.
  • The museum displayed artifacts related to Egyptian mummification.

Translations

Translations of the word "mummification" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mumificação

🇮🇳 ममीकरण

🇩🇪 Einbalsamierung

🇮🇩 mumifikasi

🇺🇦 муміфікація

🇵🇱 mumifikacja

🇯🇵 ミイラ化

🇫🇷 momification

🇪🇸 momificación

🇹🇷 mumyalama

🇰🇷 미라화

🇸🇦 تحنيط

🇨🇿 mumifikace

🇸🇰 mumifikácia

🇨🇳 木乃伊化

🇸🇮 mumifikacija

🇮🇸 mumifisering

🇰🇿 мумиялау

🇬🇪 მუმიფიკაცია

🇦🇿 mumiyalaşdırma

🇲🇽 momificación

Word origin

The term 'mummification' comes from the Latin word 'mumia', which means 'bitumen' or 'asphalt', derived from the Persian 'mūm', referring to the waxy substance that was used in the embalming process. The ancient Egyptians are most associated with mummification, which began around 3000 BCE as part of their funerary practices. Initially, bodies were buried in the sands of the desert, which naturally preserved them. Over time, they developed more sophisticated embalming techniques, using various materials, including natron salts and oils. Mummification was intertwined with their religious beliefs, as Egyptians thought preserving the body was essential for the soul's journey to the afterlife. The art of mummification had significant cultural and spiritual implications beyond just physical preservation, influencing practices in other ancient civilizations, such as the Incas and certain Middle Eastern cultures. Today, mummified remains provide invaluable insights into ancient societies, their customs, and their beliefs about death and the afterlife.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,704, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.