embalm

verb

em·​balm im-ˈbä(l)m How to pronounce embalm (audio)
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 noun

Examples of embalm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web His body was barely embalmed, indicating a lack of care in the mummification process, Saleem said in the news release. Katie Hunt, CNN, 2 Aug. 2024 The embalming materials used were costly: juniper and frankincense, likely imported from East Africa or Southern Arabia. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 1 Aug. 2024 The professionalization era of policing that began in the early 20th century and the federal embalming of the 1960s with President Johnson's war on crime began shifting perceptions. Philip V. McHarris, TIME, 30 July 2024 Some plans may also offer coverage for temporary storage, embalming or cremation and other costs. Nathan Diller, USA TODAY, 6 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for embalm 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'embalm.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of embalm was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near embalm

Cite this Entry

“Embalm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embalm. Accessed 3 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

embalm

verb
em·​balm im-ˈbä(l)m How to pronounce embalm (audio)
: to treat a dead body with special preparations to preserve it from decay
embalmer noun
embalmment 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 noun

More from Merriam-Webster on embalm

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