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Embalm: meaning, definitions and examples

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embalm

 

[ ɪmˈbɑːlm ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

preserving body

To embalm means to treat a dead body with preservatives to delay decomposition. This practice is most commonly associated with funerary customs where bodies are prepared for viewing or burial. The process can involve the use of chemicals like formaldehyde, which helps maintain the appearance of the deceased. Embalming is often performed by licensed professionals and is significant in various cultural traditions, particularly in the context of funerals. It is also used in the field of medicine for the preservation of anatomical specimens.

Synonyms

mummify, preserve, treat.

Examples of usage

  • The funeral home will embalm the body before the service.
  • Embalming is essential for long-distance transportation of remains.
  • Ancient Egyptians practiced embalming to prepare the dead for the afterlife.

Translations

Translations of the word "embalm" in other languages:

🇵🇹 embalsamar

🇮🇳 जर्दा लगाना

🇩🇪 einbalsamieren

🇮🇩 mengawetkan

🇺🇦 бальзамувати

🇵🇱 balsamować

🇯🇵 防腐処理をする

🇫🇷 embaumer

🇪🇸 embalsamar

🇹🇷 mumyalamak

🇰🇷 방부 처리하다

🇸🇦 تحنيط

🇨🇿 balzamovat

🇸🇰 balzamovať

🇨🇳 防腐

🇸🇮 balzamirati

🇮🇸 balsamera

🇰🇿 бальзамдауға

🇬🇪 ემბალმირება

🇦🇿 mumyalamaq

🇲🇽 embalsamar

Etymology

The term "embalm" originates from the Latin word "embalmare," which means 'to preserve a body' or 'to treat with balm.' The word is made up of the prefix 'em-' indicating 'putting into' and 'balm,' which refers to aromatic substances used for healing or preservation. The practice of embalming can be traced back to ancient civilizations, notably the Egyptians, who developed intricate methods for preserving bodies for burial. This practice was deeply tied to their beliefs about the afterlife. Over the centuries, embalming evolved with advancements in chemistry and a growing understanding of anatomy, leading to modern practices used in funerary services today.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,357, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.