embalm

em·balm

verb

To embalm is defined as to treat a corpse with a special preservative fluid to prevent decay, or to preserve something in its original state, or to give a pleasant fragrance.

When an undertaker injects a fluid to preserve a corpse for a funeral showing, this is an example of when he embalms.
When you preserve the old code of ethics of a club that has been in existence for a long time and you do not allow the rules to change, this is an example of when you embalm.
When lilacs fill the air with a sweet smell, this is an example of when they embalm.

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"Embalm." YourDictionary. LoveToKnow. www.yourdictionary.com/Embalm.

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Embalm. (n.d.). In YourDictionary. Retrieved from https://www.yourdictionary.com/Embalm

embalm

to treat (a dead body) with various chemicals, usually after removing the viscera, etc., to keep it from decaying rapidly
to preserve in memory
to make fragrant; perfume

Origin of embalm

Middle English embaumen from Old French embaumer: see en- and balm

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Link to this page

Cite this page

MLA Style

"Embalm." YourDictionary. LoveToKnow. www.yourdictionary.com/Embalm.

APA Style

Embalm. (n.d.). In YourDictionary. Retrieved from https://www.yourdictionary.com/Embalm

embalm

transitive verb

em·balmed, em·balm·ing, em·balms

To treat (a corpse) with preservatives in order to prevent decay.
To protect from change or oblivion; preserve or fix: “A precedent embalms a principle” ( Benjamin Disraeli )
To impart fragrance to; perfume: Spicy aromas embalmed the air.

Origin of embalm

Middle English embaumen from Old French embasmer en- in ; see en- ¹. basme balm ; see balm .

Related Forms:

em·balm′er
noun

em·balm′ment
noun

THE AMERICAN HERITAGE® DICTIONARY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, FIFTH EDITION by the Editors of the American Heritage Dictionaries. Copyright © 2016, 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.