Midden
/ˈmɪd.ən/noun
A heap or pit for storing or dumping refuse, especially household waste.
Did you know?Archaeologists love middens because these trash heaps preserve bones, shells, tools, and even food scraps, turning everyday refuse into one of the richest records of past human life.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*muddinō / *middinō
“A dung or refuse heap; a dump”
Old English
OE
middan
“A dung heap, dunghill, or refuse pile”
Middle English
ME
miden / midden
“A refuse heap or dung heap”
Modern English
English
midden
“A heap or pit for domestic refuse, especially in archaeological contexts”