serdab

[ ser-dahb ]

noun

1. a chamber inside a mastaba containing a statue of the deceased.

serdab

/ ˈsɜːdæb; səˈdæb /

noun

1. a secret chamber in an ancient Egyptian tomb

Word History and Origins

Origin of serdab¹

1835–45; < Arabic sirdāb underground chamber < Persian sardāb cellar for ice, equivalent to sard cold + āb water

Word History and Origins

Origin of serdab¹

C19 (earlier, in the sense: cellar): from Arabic: cellar, from Persian sardāb ice cellar, from sard cold + āb water

Example Sentences

Under the palace of the Muschir-u-Dowleh, as under many others, is a sort of glorified serdab, used in hot weather, partly under ground, open at each end, and finished throughout with marble, the roof being supported on a cluster of slender pillars with capitals picked out in gold, and the air being cooled by a fountain in a large marble basin.

From Project Gutenberg

But this serdab is far eclipsed by a summer hall in the palace of the Shah's third son, which, as to walls and ceiling, is entirely composed of mirror-work, the floor of marble being arranged with marble settees round fountains whose cool plash even now is delicious.

From Project Gutenberg

Serdab, ser′dab, n. a secret chamber within the masonry of an ancient Egyptian tomb in which images of the deceased were stored.

From Project Gutenberg

The ground floor, except for the serdab, is given up to kitchens, store-rooms, servants' quarters, stables, &c.

From Project Gutenberg

The remainder of the day, so far as family life is concerned, is spent in the serdab, a cellar sunk somewhat below the level of the courtyard, damp from frequent wettings, with its half windows covered with hurdles thatched with camel thorn and kept dripping with water.

From Project Gutenberg