natron

noun

: a hydrous native sodium carbonate used in ancient times in embalming, in ceramic pastes, and as a cleansing agent

Examples of natron in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Read More: Why Road Salt is Bad for the Environment Ancient Egyptians also made use of natron, a naturally occurring salt, in the process of mummification. Sean Mowbray, Discover Magazine, 7 May 2024 In addition to a text called The Ritual of Embalming, Greek historian Herodotus, in his Histories, mentions the use of natron to dehydrate the body. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 6 Sep. 2023 At the ends of the beds, the scientists found gutters, as well as clay pots to hold organs and viscera, and various other instruments, including linens and natron salt. Matt Hrodey, Discover Magazine, 1 June 2023 After describing the mummification process in recondite detail—not only why the brain was removed through the nose but how exactly natron dried out the rest of the body—the child drew an elaborate cartouche with the hieroglyphs used to spell my name. Casey Cep, The New Yorker, 7 Feb. 2022 The corpse was covered in natron for 70 days. Donna Sarkar, Discover Magazine, 9 Mar. 2021 The body was covered with a natron treatment for 70 days, after which the cedar oil was cleaned out and the body was left as skin and bones. Donna Sarkar, Discover Magazine, 9 Mar. 2021 After being immersed in natron, corpses were treated with the sticky mixtures to seal the skin, blocking decay and decomposition by bacteria. Byandrew Curry, science.org, 1 Feb. 2023 Lake Natron is named for the mineral, natron, that collects there. Anna Funk, Discover Magazine, 27 Aug. 2019

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French naitron, natron, borrowed (by uncertain mediation) from Arabic naṭrūn, borrowed from Greek nítron niter

First Known Use

1684, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of natron was in 1684

Dictionary Entries Near natron

Cite this Entry

“Natron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/natron. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

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