embalm

[ em-bahm ]

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

/ 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

Derived Forms

• emˈbalmer, noun
• emˈbalmment, noun

Other Words From

• em·balmer noun
• em·balmment noun
• unem·balmed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of embalm¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of embalm¹

C13: from Old French embaumer; see balm

Example Sentences

She said "they had embalmed him too late" and Mr Nightingale said: "He hadn't been embalmed until they realised the mistake."

From BBC

Workers at Butherus Maser & Love Funeral Home noticed she was still breathing just before noon immediately after laying her on the embalming table, Chief Deputy Ben Houchin said.

From Seattle Times

In some communities, civil society workers say, people have dug up graves to grind bones to cut with the drug, seeking chemicals used in embalming.

From Seattle Times

The law states that the deceased must be either embalmed or refrigerated within 24 hours of death.

From Seattle Times

But STR typing is often impossible to use with degraded remains, especially those preserved with post-war embalming techniques involving formaldehyde, Marshall says.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• mummify