The English Language

Words Borrowed from Egyptian

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Egyptian is the extinct language of Ancient Egypt. It is a member of the Afro-Asiatic family.

These are some of the oldest borrowed words in English.


Word Meaning Notes
alabaster    
ammonia camel dung Burning camel dung produces ammonia.
barge   Cargo boats used on the Nile.
bark    
ebony   A dark wood from Africa.
gum    
ibis   A bird with a curved beak.
ivory   From elephant tusks.
mummy asphalt Asphalt was used in embalming.
oasis dwelling area  
paper papyrus  
Pharoah big house Egyptian king.
sack    

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A short history of the world's most widespread language from its Anglo Saxon origins via Norman and Latin influences to Modern English.

This family contains languages of northern Africa and the Middle East. The dominant languages are Arabic and Hebrew.