mundify

American  

[muhn-duh-fahy] / ˈmʌn dəˌfaɪ /

verb (used with object)

mundified, mundifying

1. to cleanse; deterge.

   to mundify a wound.

2. to purge or purify.

   to mundify a person of past sins.

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Other Word Forms

• unmundified adjective

Etymology

Origin of mundify

1375–1425; late Middle English < Late Latin mundificāre, equivalent to Latin mundi-, stem of mund ( us ) clean + -ficare -fy

Explanation

To mundify is to clean or purify something. You might do this literally by rinsing a small cut with water, or metaphorically, by clearing up a misunderstanding. Mundify comes from a Latin word, mundus, meaning "clean." While it is quite rare today, it was historically used in medical contexts to describe cleaning a wound of dirt or pus — though you're unlikely to encounter that usage outside of centuries-old texts. In a more modern context, mundify is more likely to be used figuratively, as in "clearing the air" or rooting out corruption, lies, or lingering resentment.

Example Sentences

Poultices made from the herb are applied to cleanse and heal chronic sores, which, as Gerard teaches, "they do scour and mundify."

From Herbal Simples Approved for Modern Uses of Cure by Fernie, William Thomas

The same in Powder, and a Lotion made thereof, is much used by the Savages, to mundify old Ulcers, and for several other Uses; being highly esteem'd among them.

From A New Voyage to Carolina, containing the exact description and natural history of that country; together with the present state thereof; and a journal of a thousand miles, travel'd thro' several nations of Indians; giving a particular account of their customs, manners, etc. by Lawson, John