The history of a word that has lost its way

Exhuma

"Exhuma" is a word that has fallen into disuse. It is a verb that means "to exhume", which means to "dig up" or "to bring forth from the earth". It is derived from the Latin word "exhūmare", which is itself derived from the prefix "ex-" (out) and the verb "hūmare" (to bury).

The word "exhuma" was first used in English in the 14th century. It was originally used in a literal sense, to refer to the exhumation of a dead body. However, over time, the word began to be used figuratively, to refer to the uncovering or bringing to light of something that has been forgotten or hidden.

In the 19th century, the word "exhuma" was used by a number of writers, including Edgar Allan Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne. Poe used the word in his short story "The Fall of the House of Usher", to describe the exhumation of the body of Madeline Usher. Hawthorne used the word in his novel "The House of the Seven Gables", to describe the uncovering of a long-forgotten secret.

In the 20th century, the word "exhuma" continued to be used by a number of writers, including James Joyce and William Faulkner. Joyce used the word in his novel "Ulysses", to describe the exhumation of the body of Paddy Dignam. Faulkner used the word in his novel "Absalom, Absalom!", to describe the uncovering of a long-forgotten family secret.

Today, the word "exhuma" is rarely used. It is still used in a literal sense, to refer to the exhumation of a dead body. However, it is more commonly used figuratively, to refer to the uncovering or bringing to light of something that has been forgotten or hidden.

It is a pity that the word "exhuma" has fallen into disuse. It is a powerful word that can be used to evoke a sense of mystery, horror, or discovery. It is a word that deserves to be brought forth from the earth and used again.