GC: n

S: EBSCO (last access: 15 January 2026); NIH (last access: 16 January 2026).

N: 1. “process of making into a mummy,” 1793, mummie from Medival Latin mumia (late 14c.), which is perhaps from Greek moumia or directly from Arabic mumiyah “embalmed body,” from Persian mumiya “asphalt,” from mum “wax.” + -fication “a making or causing” (from Latin -ficationem (nominative -ficatio), forming nouns of action from verbs in -ficare (compare -fy), combining form of facere “to make,” from PIE root *dhe- “to set, put.”). Meaning “state or fact of being a mummy” is by 1857.

2. How long does it take for a body to be mummified?

• Mummification is a gradual process, which tends to start with the skin becoming discoloured and papery and can eventually result in the entire corpse becoming dark brown, with a parched, leathery texture. A Swedish study of 102 forensic autopsy cases found that parchment-like skin was seen as early as three days postmortem and leathery desiccated skin could appear within six days of death. The entire body could show evidence of mummification within 18 days of death.

3. Animal Diseases: foetal resorption, resorption, mummification

Paleontology: mummification.

• (…) the process of mummifying or the state of being mummified.
• mummify: to cause to dry up and shrivel (…).

4. That’s a Wrap: Methods of Mummification:

• Mummies have been the antagonists of horror-based media since Western societies discovered them. We have to admit, dead bodies drained of fluids and wrapped in linens can be pretty bone-chilling. However, the process itself is much more than just wrapping up bodies. It involves advanced scientific understanding of human biology and often indicates complex beliefs surrounding the afterlife. Many cultures spanning the globe were practitioners of mummification, and, though it is largely a lost practice, we remain fascinated by the profound scientific knowledge of the peoples who have practiced it.
• The most recognizable method of mummification comes from ancient Egypt, dating back to 3500 BCE. In this method a metal rod was first pushed through the nasal cavity to the skull. From there, the rod was manipulated in a manner that liquefied the brain tissue, which was then drained through the nose. The rest of the organs were then removed, and the hollow body was cleaned with a mixture of spices and palm wine. The soon-to-be mummy was placed in natron (naturally occurring salt) and left to dry for 40 days. After the flesh was dehydrated, the body was wrapped in layers upon layers of linen, between which priests placed amulets to aid the newly deceased in the afterlife. A top coat of resin was applied to ensure protection from moisture, and then the mummified body was placed in a coffin and sealed in a tomb. The extent of ornamentation, the style of tomb, and the care taken during the mummification process differed on the basis of the recently deceased’s social class.

5. Cultural Interrelation: We can mention an article and a book, respectively.

• Modern (forensic) mummies: A study of twenty cases (2018) by Céline Leccia, Véronique Alunni and Gérald Quatrehomme.
• Egyptian Mummies: Unraveling the Secrets of an Ancient Art – A Gripping History of Pharaohs, Tombs, and Rituals (1996) by Bob Brier.

S: 1. Etymonline (last access: 15 January 2026). 2. The Guardian (last access: 15 January 2026). 3. TERMIUM PLUS (last access: 15 January 2026) 4. EncBrit (last access: 16 January 2026). 5. SDir (last access: 16 January 2026); Amazon (last access: 16 January 2026).

SYN:
S:

CR: autopsy, biopsy, corpse, crime, forensic medicine forensics, forensic science, homicide, medical examiner, medicine, murder, putrefaction, thanatology.