Mummies
The term "mummy" can refer to preserved bodies of humans or animals. The preservation can occur as the result of deliberate human action, or it can occur naturally, for example through exposure to extreme heat or cold. The key is that in all cases, the bodies are dried.
The ancient Egyptians used salt and other chemicals to dry the bodies of their dead rulers, and wrapped them in cloth strips before placing them in huge tombs. They placed valuable gifts and offerings of food around the burial site to ensure the safe journey of the spirit into the afterlife.
Natural mummies have been found all over the world. The most famous and best studied is known as Ötzi the Iceman, an ancient hiker who was accidentally frozen in a glacier, on what is now the border of Austria and Italy, more than 5,000 years ago. He was found in 1991, when the glacier began to melt. The nearly-perfectly preserved Ötzi was found wearing various items of clothes, and had several tools with him, including those for making fire, and a copper axe.
What is noted about the word "mummy"?
A. It has an unknown origin.
B. It is an ancient Egyptian term.
C. It refers to any method of preserving a body.
D. It can be used to refer to animals as well as people.