mummy
/'mʌmi/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A preserved dead body: A human or animal body that has been specially treated (typically by embalming and drying) to prevent decay, often associated with ancient Egyptian burial practices.
- (British informal) Mother: A child's word for their mother.
Usage
- As a preserved body:
- The museum displayed an Egyptian mummy.
- Scientists used a scanner to examine the mummy without unwrapping it.
- As an informal term for mother (chiefly British):
- The little boy asked his mummy for a biscuit.
- "Where's Mummy?" the child cried.
Advanced Usage
- "Mummy's boy" (idiom, chiefly British): A derogatory term for a boy or man who is excessively attached to or influenced by his mother.
- He never makes a decision without calling her first; he's such a mummy's boy.
Variants and Related Words
- Mummify (verb): To make into or become a mummy; to preserve a dead body.
- The ancient Egyptians developed techniques to mummify their dead.
- Mummification (noun): The process of making a mummy.
- The mummification process could take up to seventy days.
Synonyms
- For the preserved body: Embalmed body.
- For mother (informal): Mum (UK), Mom (US), Mama, Mommy.
Related Phrases
- Mummy case/coffin: The decorated container in which a mummy was placed.
- The golden mummy case was intricately carved.
Related Idioms
- To be wrapped up like a mummy: To be bundled or covered very tightly in clothing or bandages.
- It's freezing outside, so she was wrapped up like a mummy in her scarf and coat.
Noun
- a body embalmed and dried and wrapped for burial (as in ancient Egypt)
- informal terms for a mother