mezuzah
UK[məˈzuːzə]US[məˈzuːzə]
n
A small parchment inscribed with biblical passages, placed in a case and affixed to the doorpost of a Jewish home as a sign of faith.
n
The decorative case itself that houses the parchment.
Etymology
The word 'mezuzah' is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew term מְזוּזָה (məzūzā́), which literally means "doorpost." This etymological journey is beautifully direct: the object derives its name from its precise physical location. In ancient Israelite practice, as commanded in the Torah, specific verses were to be written on the doorposts of one's house. Over time, the term for the architectural feature (doorpost) was transferred to the sacred object placed upon it. Entering English via post-biblical Hebrew and Aramaic, the word retains its original form and concrete association, embodying the ritual's deep connection to the home's threshold and identity.
Analysis
This word is a direct loanword from Hebrew (מְזוּזָה, məzūzā́). It is not segmentable into meaningful morphemes using its current English spelling. In its source language, it is related to the Hebrew word for "doorpost" (זוּז, zûz).
Examples
He kissed his fingers and touched them to the mezuzah upon entering the room.
The silver mezuzah on their front door was a gift from her grandmother.
According to tradition, the parchment inside the mezuzah must be handwritten by a qualified scribe.