embalm
Americanverb (used with object)
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to treat (a dead body) so as to preserve it, as with chemicals, drugs, or balsams.
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to preserve from oblivion; keep in memory.
his deeds embalmed in the hearts of his disciples.
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to cause to remain unchanged; prevent the development of.
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to impart a balmy fragrance to.
verb
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to treat (a dead body) with preservatives, as by injecting formaldehyde into the blood vessels, to retard putrefaction
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to preserve or cherish the memory of
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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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The bodies had been donated to science, with the subjects dying in the past three years and then embalmed.
From BBC
She also described the harrowing process of embalming the prime minister's body, which would lie in state in the capital for two days before cremation.
From BBC
The dark dramedy “Six Feet Under” also revolved around a dysfunctional family generations in the embalming business.
From Los Angeles Times
Another part of you frantically tries to embalm the memories, fearing the natural deterioration and gnawing terror of time.
From Los Angeles Times
They found odours relating to the break-down of animal fats used in the embalming process, which could indicate the body is beginning to decompose.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
