Definition of Embalm

1. Verb. Preserve a dead body.

Specialized synonyms: Mummify
Generic synonyms: Conserve, Keep Up, Maintain, Preserve
Derivative terms: Embalmer, Embalmment

Definition of Embalm

1. v. t. 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.

Definition of Embalm

1. Verb. (transitive) To treat a corpse with preservatives in order to prevent decomposition ¹

2. Verb. (transitive) To perfume or add fragrance to something ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Embalm

1. to treat so as to protect from decay [v -ED, -ING, -S]

Medical Definition of Embalm

1. 1. 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. "Joseph commanded his servants, the physicians, to embalm is father; and the physicians embalmed Israel." (Gem. L. 2) 2. To fill or imbue with sweet odour; to perfume. "With fresh dews embalmed the earth." (Milton) 3. To preserve from decay or oblivion as if with balm; to perpetuate in remembrance. "Those tears eternal that embalm the dead." (Pope) Origin: F. Embaumer; pref. Em- (L. In) + baume balm. See Balm. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Embalm

embace
embaces
embacing
embail
embailed
embailing
embails
embale
embaled
embales
embaling
emball
emballed
emballing
embalm (current term)
embalmed
embalmer
embalmers
embalming
embalming room
embalmings
embalmment
embalmments
embalms
embank
embanked
embanker
embankers
embanking

Literary usage of Embalm

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. The History of the Rebellion and Civil Wars in England by Edward Hyde Clarendon (1807)
"... that his chirurgeon " might have leave to embalm it, whereby it might be ... to come to embalm it;" ..."

2. Lectures, Illustrated and Embellished with Views of the World's Famous by John Lawson Stoddard (1898)
"... had been so virulent as to render it impossible to embalm the body. The noxious odor was still perceptible, and the fetid air communicated the infection ..."

3. The Life of Lorenzo De' Medici, Called the Magnificent by William Roscoe (1803)
"Like the Egyptians, who embalm a putrid carcase with the richest odours, the artist and the poet too often lavish their divine incense on the most ..."

4. John L. Stoddard's Lectures by John Lawson Stoddard (1898)
"... and the small-pox, which caused her death, had been so virulent as to render it impossible to embalm the body. The noxious odor was still perceptible, ..."

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