serdab

noun

ser·​dab
sə(r)ˈdäb
plural -s
1
: a narrow chamber of the ancient Egyptian mastaba either concealed or accessible only by a narrow passage and containing a statue of the deceased
2
: a living room in the basement of a house in the Near East that provides coolness during the summer months

Word History

Etymology

Arabic sirdāb cellar, underground vault, from Persian sardāb ice cellar, from sard cold + āb water

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Dictionary Entries Near serdab

Cite this Entry

“Serdab.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/serdab. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

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