Definition of mummy

The term "mummy" originating from the 16th century comes from the Latin word "mumia," which referred to a type of substance believed to be the dried and preserved corpses of ancient Egyptians. This substance was thought to have medicinal properties and was used to treat various ailments. Over time, the term "mumia" evolved to become "mummy," and it began to be used to describe the actual preserved corpses from ancient Egypt. These bodies were often wrapped in cloth and buried in tombs to help preserve their corpses for the afterlife. Today, the term "mummy" is widely used to describe the well-preserved remains of ancient Egyptians, as well as the word for the process of preserving a body dramatically, like in film or theater.