embalm

verb

em·​balm im-ˈbä(l)m 

em-

embalmed; embalming; embalms

transitive verb

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

embalmer noun

embalmment

im-ˈbä(l)m-mənt 

em-

noun

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Sister Wilhelmina’s body was not embalmed after her death, according to CNA. —Abigail Adams, Peoplemag, 29 May 2023

Her body was buried in a wooden coffin without any embalming in very moist clay. —Aliza Chasan, CBS News, 29 May 2023

She was not embalmed, and her grave was dug by hand by her sisters, said the website of the monastic order. —Christine Rousselle, Fox News, 27 May 2023

The animal embalming workshop was made with mud and stone floors, and was discovered alongside bronze tools that would have been used in the mummification process. —Charlene Gubash, NBC News, 27 May 2023

But in the last couple of centuries, especially in Western countries, the practice has become toxic: From embalming fluids to casket materials, burials can contaminate soil and groundwater, and endanger the health of funeral workers. —Quartz Staff, Quartz, 7 Mar. 2023

Rahma Funeral Home in northern Dallas embalmed Thatikonda’s body and organized a visitation. —Marin Wolf, Dallas News, 12 May 2023

Traditional burials, meanwhile, plow 1.6 million tons of concrete into the ground each year, along with 4.3 million gallons of embalming fluid and 64,500 tons of steel, the council said. —Tara Bahrampour, Washington Post, 28 Mar. 2023

But Mexican officials said that due to international regulations, Harrell’s body would have to be embalmed before it could be sent to the United States. —Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2023

See More

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

embalm

verb

em·​balm im-ˈbä(l)m 

: to treat a dead body with special preparations to preserve it from decay

embalmer noun

embalmment

-mənt 

noun

Medical Definition

embalm

transitive verb

em·​balm

im-ˈbä(l)m, New England also -ˈbȧm

: to treat (a dead body) so as to protect from decay

embalmer noun

embalmment

-ˈbä(l)m-mənt 

noun