Embalming

[em-bahm] /ɛmˈbɑm/

verb (used with object)
1.
to treat (a dead body) so as to preserve it, as with chemicals, drugs, or balsams.
2.
to preserve from oblivion; keep in memory:
his deeds embalmed in the hearts of his disciples.
3.
to cause to remain unchanged; prevent the development of.
4.
to impart a balmy fragrance to.
/ɪmˈbɑːm/
verb (transitive)
1.
to treat (a dead body) with preservatives, as by injecting formaldehyde into the blood vessels, to retard putrefaction
2.
to preserve or cherish the memory of
3.
(poetic) to give a sweet fragrance to
v.

mid-14c., from Middle French embaumer “preserve (a corpse) with spices,” from en- “in” (see en- (1)) + baume “balm” (see balm) + -er verbal suffix. The -l- inserted in English 1500s in imitation of Latin. Related: Embalmed; embalming.

embalm em·balm (ěm-bäm’)
v. em·balmed, em·balm·ing, em·balms
To treat a corpse with preservatives in order to prevent decay.

the process of preserving a body by means of aromatics (Gen. 50:2, 3, 26). This art was practised by the Egyptians from the earliest times, and there brought to great perfection. This custom probably originated in the belief in the future reunion of the soul with the body. The process became more and more complicated, and to such perfection was it carried that bodies embalmed thousands of years ago are preserved to the present day in the numberless mummies that have been discovered in Egypt. The embalming of Jacob and Joseph was according to the Egyptian custom, which was partially followed by the Jews (2 Chr. 16:14), as in the case of king Asa, and of our Lord (John 19:39, 40; Luke 23:56; 24:1). (See PHARAOH.)