natron

American  

[ney-tron, -truhn] / ˈneɪ trɒn, -trən /

noun

1. a mineral, hydrated sodium carbonate, Na 2 CO 3 ⋅10H 2 O.

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natron British  

/ ˈneɪtrən /

noun

1. a whitish or yellow mineral that consists of hydrated sodium carbonate and occurs in saline deposits and salt lakes. Formula: Na 2 CO 3 .10H 2 O

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Etymology

Origin of natron

1675–85; < French < Spanish < Arabic naṭrūn, variant of niṭrūn < Greek nítron niter; compare also Egyptian ntry, Hebrew nether

Example Sentences

Both workshops featured stone beds, clay pots, ritual vessels, natron salt, which is one of the main ingredients for mummification, and linens among other mummification instruments.

From Reuters • May 27, 2023

After being immersed in natron, corpses were treated with the sticky mixtures to seal the skin, blocking decay and decomposition by bacteria.

From Science Magazine • Feb. 1, 2023

Deceased pharoahs and members of wealthy families underwent a monthslong mummification process that involved removing their internal organs, drying their bodies out with natron salt and rubbing oil on their skin.

From New York Times • Nov. 1, 2022

“Putting the natron and resin in the mouth might be to ‘neutralise’ the snake in the afterlife,” she said.

From The Guardian • Aug. 20, 2020

The corpse was filled with spices, drenched in a bath of natron, wound with bandages and thus transformed into a mummy.

From History Of Ancient Civilization by Seignobos, Charles