Fayyūm
/ˈfaɪ.juːm/noun
A fertile oasis and region in Egypt southwest of Cairo, centered around a large depression and lake.
Did you know?The Fayyūm was a major center of Sobek worship, where sacred crocodiles were mummified and offered as manifestations of the deity.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Egyptian
Egyptian
pꜣ-ywm
“The lake; the name referred to the region’s great lake or watery depression.”
Late Egyptian
Egyptian
pꜣ-ywm
“The lake, continuing the older Egyptian name for the oasis region.”
Coptic Period
Coptic
Ⲫⲓⲟⲙ (Phiom)
“The Fayyūm; a Coptic form preserving the ancient place-name.”
Medieval Arabic
Arabic
al-Fayyūm
“The Fayyūm; Arabic adaptation of the Coptic name.”
Modern English
English
Fayyum / Faiyum
“An Egyptian oasis, governorate, and region southwest of Cairo.”