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definitions

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

mortician, undertaker

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 embalmer

Historical Examples of embalmer

  • In the first place, the embalmer was a medical practitioner, and legally pursued his craft.

  • "He has gone to his work in the house of the embalmer," was the answer.

    Uarda, Complete

    Georg Ebers

  • A preservative fluid had been injected by the embalmer a few hours before into the left femoral artery.

  • Upon entering the apartment, which was some twenty feet square, they found that the embalmer had not exaggerated what he had done.

  • The sheet they left me kept off no drafts, and I felt like a corpse ready for the embalmer, and likely appeared one.

    Cue for Quiet

    Thomas L. Sherred

British Dictionary definitions for embalmer

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 embalmer

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 embalmer

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.