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mummification

/ˌmʌmɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

noun

What it means

  1. countableuncountableThe preserving of a dead body, by making it into a mummy.

    Mummification is not reserved exclusively for humans. Cats, dogs, and even crocodiles often get the same treatment—complete with animal-shaped coffins and painted faces.

    1999, Sally Tagholm, “Mummification”, in Ancient Egypt: A Guide to Egypt in the Time of the Pharaohs (Sightseers: Essential Travel Guides to the Past), New York, N.Y.: Kingfisher, →ISBN, page 21
  2. countableuncountableBDSMThe practice of wrapping a person's arms, torso, and legs in order to restrict their movement.

In a sentence

Mummification is not reserved exclusively for humans. Cats, dogs, and even crocodiles often get the same treatment—complete with animal-shaped coffins and painted faces.

1999, Sally Tagholm, “Mummification”, in Ancient Egypt: A Guide to Egypt in the Time of the Pharaohs (Sightseers: Essential Travel Guides to the Past), New York, N.Y.: Kingfisher, →ISBN, page 21

Where it comes from

  1. Frenchmomification
  2. Englishmummification

From mummify + -ication, after French momification.

Full entry for mummification →

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