Definition of mummification Mummification

/mʌˌmɪfɪkejˈʃʌn/ - [mumifikeyshun] - mum•mi•fi•ca•tion

We found 7 definitions of mummification from 5 different sources.

What does mummification mean?

Noun Plural: mummifications
mummification - embalmment and drying a dead body and wrapping it as a mummy
		embalmment preservation (of a dead body) by treating with balsams and drugs and other chemicals
mummification - a condition resembling that of a mummy; "bureaucratic mummification in red tape"
		status, condition the relative position or standing of things or especially persons in a society; "he had the status of a minor"; "the novel attained the status of a classic"; "atheists do not enjoy a favorable position in American life"
mummification - (pathology) gangrene that develops in the presence of arterial obstruction and is characterized by dryness of the dead tissue and a dark brown color
		dry gangrene, cold gangrene, mumification necrosis
		gangrene, sphacelus, slough necrotic tissue; a mortified or gangrenous part or mass

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mummification (Noun)
The preserving of a dead body, by making it into a mummy.

Mummification is a process. Through it, the skin and flesh of a corpse can be preserved. The process can occur either naturally, or it can be intentional. If it occurs naturally, it is the result of cold (as can be found in a glacier), acid (as can be found in a bog) or dryness.

Intentional mummification.

Intentional mummification was common in ancient Egypt, especially for burying Egyptian pharaohs. It takes about 70 days to completely mummify a dead body. The first step is to push a sharp rod up the nose and into the brain. From there, the brain is broken up into tiny pieces and removed through the nose. Next, they make a hole in the body to remove all the organs except for the heart. Jars which had the heads of gods on top were used to store the organs. The hole was then filled with linen and spices and the body was left under a salt to become dry. Later, after 40 days the body was wrapped in linen bandages. Priests surrounded the body while it was being wrapped and said spells. After the mummifying process was complete, a mask was placed over the head so it can be known in the afterlife.