embalm
UK /ɪmˈbɑːm/ · US /ɪmˈbɑm/ verb
Forms embalms embalming embalmed imbalm
- verb (transitive) To treat a corpse with preservatives in order to prevent decomposition.
- verb (transitive, figurative) To preserve.
- verb (transitive) To perfume or add fragrance to something.
Etymology
From Middle English enbawmen, from Middle French embaumer, from Old French embasmer. See balm.
Webster’s 1913
- verb To anoint all over with balm; especially, to preserve from decay by means of balm or other aromatic oils, or spices; to fill or impregnate (a dead body), with aromatics and drugs that it may resist putrefaction.
- verb To fill or imbue with sweet odor; to perfume.
Etymology [F. embaumer; pref. em- (L. in) + baume balm. See Balm.]
Sources: Wiktionary · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “embalm”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details