embalm

C1 Topic:Actions & Processes

US /ɪmˈbɑːm/ UK /ɪmˈbɑːm/ See IPA manual

Freq #67905

Meanings

1

verb
to preserve a dead body by treating it with chemicals, oils, or spices

The family chose not to embalm the body before burial.
2

verb
literary: to preserve a person, event, or feeling in memory or art

The poem helped embalm the vanished town in collective memory.

Verb forms

Verb forms are not available for this word yet.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

1 verb · to preserve a dead body by... preserve mummify

2 verb · literary: to preserve a... memorialize immortalize preserve

Opposites

decompose forget

Word family

Forms embalmedembalming

Derived forms embalmerembalmingembalmment

Related forms balm mummy preservation

Etymology

From Middle English enbaumen, through Old French embaumer, formed from en- (in or with) + baume (balm). The earliest practice involved treating a body with aromatic balsams and preservatives.

Topics

Actions & Processes Register & Style

External links

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