Mendhi
/ˈmɛn.di/noun
A form of decorative body art made by applying henna dye to the skin, especially in South Asian and Middle Eastern traditions.
Did you know?Mendhi is an established variant spelling of mehndi, whose plant-based designs have traditionally marked weddings, celebrations, blessings, and protection from misfortune.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Sanskrit
Sanskrit
mendhikā
“The henna plant, Lawsonia inermis”
Medieval Indo-Aryan
Prakrit
meṃdhī
“Henna or the henna plant”
Medieval India
Hindi
mẽhdī
“Henna dye and its decorative application”
20th Century
English
mehndi
“South Asian henna body art”
Modern English
English
mendhi
“An established variant spelling of mehndi”