Mehandi
/ˈmen.di/noun
A form of decorative body art made by staining the skin with henna paste.
Did you know?Henna designs have long been associated with weddings and festivals across South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa, although the word itself does not literally mean magic or enchantment.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Sanskrit
Sanskrit
mendhikā
“The henna plant, traditionally identified with Lawsonia inermis.”
Middle Indo-Aryan
Prakrit
mendhī
“A regional form referring to henna.”
Medieval period
Hindi
meṃhdī
“Henna, especially the plant or its prepared dye.”
Medieval–Modern period
Urdu
mehndī
“Henna used for coloring the skin, hair, or nails.”
19th–20th Century
English
mehndi / mehandi
“A South Asian style of henna body decoration, especially ceremonial designs.”