Main Entry: em·balm

Pronunciation: \im-ˈbä(l)m, em-\

Function: transitive verb

Etymology: Middle English embaumen, from Anglo-French enbaumer, enbasmer, from en- + basme balm — more at balm

Date: 14th century

1 : to treat (a dead body) so as to protect from decay
2 : to fill with sweet odors : perfume
3 : to protect from decay or oblivion : preserve <embalm a hero's memory>
4 : to fix in a static condition

— em·balm·er noun

— em·balm·ment \-ˈbä(l)m-mənt, -ˈbȧm-\ noun