Definition

1. 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

1. a body embalmed and dried and wrapped for burial (as in ancient Egypt)
2. informal terms for a mother