mantle

Everyday

1. In science, the mantle is the thick hot layer of rock inside the Earth, between the crust and the core. tree →
2. A mantle is a duty or important role that passes from one person to another, as in «take on the mantle». tree →
3. (old) A mantle is a loose cloak without sleeves. tree →
4. A mantle can be a covering of something, like «a mantle of snow». tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons, the Earth's layers are crust, mantle, outer core and inner core; the mantle is very hot and moves slowly, which moves the plates and causes earthquakes and volcanoes. In stories, a knight wears a mantle and a hero takes up the mantle of a leader. Phrases: the Earth's mantle, take on the mantle, a mantle of snow.

Examples

• The mantle lies under the Earth's crust. tree →
• Rock in the mantle moves very slowly. tree →
• The mantle is much thicker than the crust. tree →
• A mantle of snow covered the hills. tree →
• The queen wore a red velvet mantle. (old) tree →
• She took on the mantle of team captain. tree →
• Heat from the mantle helps push the plates. tree →
• "It's like a green silk mantle worked with flowers," said the Princess, smiling. tree →

Note

Countable noun. Do not confuse with «mantel» (mantelpiece), the shelf over a fireplace — they sound the same. Myth: the mantle is not all liquid lava; it is mostly solid rock that flows very slowly.

In Jewish tradition

In Kings, Elijah's mantle passes to Elisha, who takes it up as a sign that he now carries on Elijah's work as prophet. Job tore his mantle as a sign of deep mourning. Isaiah lists mantles among the fine clothes of proud women.

Interpretation. Tradition sees Esau's hairy look as a sign of his rough, wild nature, in contrast to smooth-skinned Jacob. Elijah's mantle is read as the passing of the prophet's spirit and duty to his student. Tearing the mantle is the traditional sign of grief.

Examples

• And the first came forth ruddy, all over like a hairy mantle; and they called his name Esau. (Torah GEN.25.25, JPS 1917) tree →
• and the gauze robes, and the fine linen, and the turbans, and the mantles. (Prophets ISA.3.23, JPS 1917) tree →
• Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped; (Writings JOB.1.20, JPS 1917) tree →
• He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of the Jordan. (Prophets 2KI.2.13, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable noun. Do not confuse with «mantel» (mantelpiece), the shelf over a fireplace — they sound the same. Myth: the mantle is not all liquid lava; it is mostly solid rock that flows very slowly.