embalm

American  

[em-bahm, em-bahlm] / ɛmˈbɑm, ɛmˈbɑlm /

verb (used with object)

1. to treat (a dead body) so as to preserve it, as with chemicals, drugs, or balsams.

2. to preserve from oblivion; keep in memory.

   his deeds embalmed in the hearts of his disciples.

3. to cause to remain unchanged; prevent the development of.

4. to impart a balmy fragrance to.

---

embalm British  

/ ɪmˈbɑːm /

verb

1. to treat (a dead body) with preservatives, as by injecting formaldehyde into the blood vessels, to retard putrefaction

2. to preserve or cherish the memory of

3. poetic to give a sweet fragrance to

---

Other Word Forms

• embalmer noun
• embalmment noun
• unembalmed adjective

Etymology

Origin of embalm

1300–50; Middle English embalmen, embaumen < Old French emba ( u ) smer, equivalent to em- em- ¹ + -ba ( u ) smer, verbal derivative of ba ( u ) sme balm

Example Sentences

Scott was employed at Arkansas Central Mortuary Services, where part of her job was to transport, cremate and embalm remains.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 29, 2023

It is used to embalm dead bodies and to make perfume, incense and medicine.

From BBC • Jan. 4, 2023

Cremation, for example, is an energy-intense process that produces carbon dioxide emissions, while traditional burial uses chemicals to embalm bodies and a nonbiodegradable coffin to store them.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 18, 2022

Chili peppers make you sweat; tragic novels make you cry; academic papers embalm you in a formaldehyde of words and then give you a splendid phrase to use for the rest of your life.

From New York Times • Dec. 27, 2021

Someone had to embalm her before Mollie saw her.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann

Related Words

• mummify