mimba
/ˈmím.βa/
noun
Origin
Proto-Bantu
*-bumba — womb, uterus, or to create/form
Overview
Meaning Now
- A state of pregnancy or being pregnant.
- The physical uterus or womb.
Literal older meaning
womb; gestation
Language path
Proto-Bantu → Swahili
Earliest form
mimba
Earliest period
19th century
Journey
The word originates from Bantu roots associated with creation and gestation. In Swahili culture, 'mimba' is the standard term for pregnancy, often used in both medical and colloquial contexts.
Evolution
- Proto-Bantu
*-bumba
“womb or clay/molding”
Refers to the act of molding or the vessel itself.
- Swahili
mimba
“pregnancy”
Standardized modern form.
Connections
Word parts
mi-
prefix
plural or classification prefix
-mba
root
womb/forming
Related across languages
Zulu
isisu
stomach/womb
Kikuyu
nda
stomach/womb
Explore next
Related to mimba
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.