An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A layer of icy molecules covering interstellar dust grains.

Etymology (EN): → grain; mantle, from O.E. mentel “loose, sleeveless cloak,” from L. mantellum “cloak,” perhaps from a Celtic source.

Etymology (PE): Rupuš “overgarment, cloak,” from ru “surface, face; aspect; appearance” (Mid.Pers. rôy, rôdh “face;” Av. raoδa- “growth,” in plural form “appearance,” from raod- “to grow, sprout, shoot;” cf. Skt. róha- “rising, height”) + puš “covering, mantle,” from pušidan “to cover; to put on” (Mid.Pers. pôšidan, pôš- “to cover; to wear;” cf. Mid.Pers. pôst; Mod.Pers. pust “skin, hide;” O.Pers. pavastā- “thin clay envelope used to protect unbaked clay tablets;” Skt. pavásta- “cover,” Proto-Indo-Iranian *pauastā- “cloth”).