The word "mantle" is pronounced as /ˈmantəl/. It is a common English noun that refers to a loose-fitting sleeveless cloak or a layer of rock that lies beneath the Earth's crust. The correct spelling of the word is "mantle", with an "le" at the end, not "mantel". The pronunciation, which includes a silent "e", can be confusing, but it is important to spell the word correctly to avoid confusion. The word "mantle" can also be used as a verb, meaning to cover or spread over something, such as a flower mantle.
Mantle is a noun with multiple definitions, both literal and figurative. In its physical sense, the word refers to a loose, sleeveless piece of clothing that covers the upper body and shoulders, typically worn over other garments. This type of mantle is often associated with long robes or cloaks, especially those worn by religious or ceremonial figures in historical contexts.
The term can also describe a layer or covering that encloses or surrounds something else. In geology, the mantle is the layer of the Earth between the outer crust and the core. This region is primarily composed of solid rock, but it also contains pockets of molten material. The mantle is responsible for the movement of tectonic plates and the formation of volcanic activity.
In a metaphorical sense, mantle can refer to a role or responsibility that one assumes. This usage suggests the act of taking up a position, duty, or authority, often associated with leadership or a particular expertise. For example, someone might be said to assume the mantle of leadership or inherit the mantle of a renowned artist in their field.
Furthermore, mantle can also denote an ornamental or decorative structure above a fireplace, mostly used as a place to display items like artwork, clocks, or photographs.
Overall, the term mantle encompasses the concepts of clothing, geological layers, inheritance of authority, and decorative structures, providing a diverse range of meanings across different contexts.
The cerebral cortex with the subjacent white substance; brain-mantle, pallium.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
• A loose outer garment; a cloak; a cover or shade; that which conceals; the outer soft membrane of the body of a mollusc.
• To cover; to disguise; to rush to and overspread the face, as the blood, with a crimson colour; to spread out, especially in a graceful or elegant manner; to be expanded; to froth.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "mantle" originated from the Old English word "mentel" which came from the Latin "mantellum". This root word referred to a cloak or a loose sleeveless garment. The Latin word itself might have been derived from the Late Latin term "mantellus" or "mantelum", meaning a covering or mantle. These Latin terms trace their origins back to the Latin word "mantēllum" or "mantele", which can be linked to the Ancient Greek word "mandyas", a long, loose cloak worn by men. Overall, the etymology suggests a historical evolution of the word "mantle" to describe a loose garment or a covering.