Help With Latin Translation

brian1950 · Post by **brian1950** » 18 Jul 2012 19:49

I wonder if any Latin readers can help with the following phrase or motto, which I think may be military-related:

ARTIFICUM NATRUMQUE NUTRIX

I know 'nutrix' is a 'nurse or wet nurse'; 'artificum' is 'craft guild or work done by a craftsman' and 'que' at the end of word I believe is 'and' but 'natrum' I can't translate, except to find it's 'chloride of sodium'!

Many thanks,

Brian

ID:6405

gerrynuk · Post by **gerrynuk** » 18 Jul 2012 20:40

I think the middle word might be NATURAMQUE not NATRUMQUE. Where/on what did you see it?

Post by **LornaCraig** » 18 Jul 2012 20:50

I agree with Gerry, I think the middle word is probably NATURAMQUE. I think it might mean something like 'In skill and through natural quality a nurturing mother.' (Nutrix can mean foster mother as well as wet nurse). Or perhaps 'A professional and natural carer'. It doesn't sound very military though, so I could be wrong!

brian1950 · Post by **brian1950** » 19 Jul 2012 20:04

Thank you both for your efforts.

I understand the motto is from an unknown marine engineering college.

ARTIFICUM NATRUMQUE NUTRIX was scribbled on a scrap piece of paper amongst a friend's relative's effects.

Brian

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