embalm

[ em-bahm ]

/ ɛmˈbɑm /

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See synonyms for: embalm / embalming / embalmer 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.

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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)smebalm

OTHER WORDS FROM embalm

em·balm·er, nounem·balm·ment, nounun·em·balmed, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use embalm in a sentence

We pay for the body to be transported, embalmed, gussied up, and cremated, or perhaps buried in expensive caskets.
How to Be Better at Death (Ep. 450)|Maria Konnikova|February 4, 2021|Freakonomics
So many 20th-century comics feel embalmed in their era because of topical references or period-specific jargon and humor, but 35 years after its launch, the spirit of “Calvin and Hobbes” feels snowflake fresh.
‘Calvin and Hobbes’ said goodbye 25 years ago. Here’s why Bill Watterson’s masterwork enchants us still.|Michael Cavna|December 31, 2020|Washington Post
I prefer the urban living, the urban lifestyle, and yet had the sense that when I died, I would have a natural burial without embalming, without a fancy casket, etc.
The startup turning human bodies into compost|Katie McLean|October 21, 2020|MIT Technology Review
For centuries, Capuchin monks followed simple embalming practices.
Palermo Has an Underground City Filled With Its Mummified Dead|Nina Strochlic|May 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST

I told you embalming is a legal requirement for public sanitation?
13 Revelations From Reddit’s ‘Dirty Little Secret’ Thread Exposing Alleged Industry Secrets|Nina Strochlic|August 23, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The Egyptian sought in vain to make the mortal body incorruptible by embalming it.
Separation and Service|James Hudson Taylor
The bodies shut up in these trunks become dry without rotting, and form a kind of mummies without the help of embalming.
The Book of Curiosities|I. Platts
Such ideas have caused much empyricism, and have been most powerful obstacles to the progress of the art of embalming.
History of Embalming|J. N. Gannal
He had, notwithstanding, a good example to follow in anticipation of a better, which was the embalming of Colonel Morland.
History of Embalming|J. N. Gannal
Later, however, he changed his course to the study of anatomy, embalming and sanitary science.
Lyman's History of old Walla Walla County, Vol. 2 (of 2)|William Denison Lyman

British Dictionary definitions for embalm

embalm

/ (ɪmˈbɑːm) /

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 forms of embalm

embalmer, 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

embalm

Origin of embalm

OTHER WORDS FROM embalm

Words related to embalm

How to use embalm in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for embalm

Derived forms of embalm

Word Origin for embalm