verb
embalm
em-BAHM/ɪmˈbɑːm/
Preserve a dead body by treating it with chemicals.
The body is embalmed with preserving substances and wrapped in linen in the Egyptian workshop.
Etymology
To embalm was to apply balm—an aromatic preparation—to a body. The word connects preservation with the spices and ointments used to keep a corpse from decaying.
In context
If we embalm a body, then we don't have to worry so much about the timing and we can delay it a little bit if we need to.
More examples
- Some families choose not to embalm their loved ones.
- Ancient Egyptians embalmed the dead before placing them in tombs.
- The funeral home charges a separate fee for embalming.
Forms
embalm · embalms · embalmed · embalming
embalmer noun — A person who chemically preserves dead bodies.
Similar words
- preserve
- Broader: protects bodies or other things from decay or damage.
- mummify
- Specifically preserves a body by drying it into a mummy.