momia

mummy

noun MOH-myah Rare

Origin: From Arabic mumiya (embalmed body), from mum (wax).

Usage Note

Momia is the Spanish word for a mummy — an embalmed or naturally preserved corpse. It is feminine: la momia. Note that in Spain and much of Latin America, the endearing word for 'mum' (mother) is mamá or mami, never momia — which only means an ancient preserved body. The Arabic origin reflects the medieval transmission of Egyptological knowledge through the Arab world.

Examples

"Encontraron una momia en la tumba."

Natural Translation

They found a mummy in the tomb.

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