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 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 These last two compounds, the lead chlorides, are not naturally found in Egypt, which points to the possibility of deliberate manufacturing using lead oxide (PbO), rock salt (NaCl), natron (Na2Co3 and NaHCo3), and water. Rebecca Kreston, Discover Magazine, 21 Apr. 2012

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'natron.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 19 Apr. 2024.

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