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embalm

[em-bahm]
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SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR embalm ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object)

to treat (a dead body) so as to preserve it, as with chemicals, drugs, or balsams.
to preserve from oblivion; keep in memory: his deeds embalmed in the hearts of his disciples.
to cause to remain unchanged; prevent the development of.
to impart a balmy fragrance to.

RELATED WORDS

mummify, anoint, prepare, process, treasure, freeze, consecrate, cherish, wrap, enshrine, conserve, store

Nearby words

  1. emarginate,
  2. emasculate,
  3. emasculation,
  4. emba,
  5. embacle,
  6. embalming,
  7. embank,
  8. embankment,
  9. embar,
  10. embarcadero

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
Related formsem·balm·er, nounem·balm·ment, nounun·em·balmed, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for embalm

British Dictionary definitions for embalm

embalm

verb (tr)

to treat (a dead body) with preservatives, as by injecting formaldehyde into the blood vessels, to retard putrefaction
to preserve or cherish the memory of
poetic to give a sweet fragrance to
Derived Formsembalmer, nounembalmment, noun

Word Origin for embalm

C13: from Old French embaumer; see balm
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for embalm

embalm

v.

mid-14c., from Middle French embaumer "preserve (a corpse) with spices," from en- "in" (see en- (1)) + baume "balm" (see balm) + -er verbal suffix. The -l- inserted in English 1500s in imitation of Latin. Related: Embalmed; embalming.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Medicine definitions for embalm

embalm

[ĕm-bäm′]

v.

To treat a corpse with preservatives in order to prevent decay.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.