Embalmer: meaning, definitions and examples

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embalmer

 

[ ɛmˈbɑlmər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

funeral services

An embalmer is a professional who prepares deceased bodies for burial or cremation. Their work involves injecting chemicals into the body to preserve it and prevent decay. This process may include cosmetic enhancements to improve the appearance of the deceased. Embalmers also play a critical role in managing the complexities of death care, providing support to grieving families during the funeral planning process.

Synonyms

funeral director, mortician, undertaker

Examples of usage

  • The embalmer carefully prepared the body for the open casket viewing.
  • After the death, the family consulted with an embalmer for the burial arrangements.
  • The embalmer used special chemicals to preserve the body for long-term display.

Translations

Translations of the word "embalmer" in other languages:

🇵🇹 embalsamador

🇮🇳 अवशेष संरक्षक

🇩🇪 Einbalsamierer

🇮🇩 penyemayam

🇺🇦 бальзамувальник

🇵🇱 balsamista

🇯🇵 防腐処理者 (ぼうふしょりしゃ)

🇫🇷 embaumeur

🇪🇸 embalsamador

🇹🇷 mumyalayıcı

🇰🇷 방부 처리자

🇸🇦 مُحنِط

🇨🇿 balzamovač

🇸🇰 balzamovač

🇨🇳 防腐师

🇸🇮 balzamator

🇮🇸 balsamari

🇰🇿 мумиялаушы

🇬🇪 ბალზამატორი

🇦🇿 mumiyalayıcı

🇲🇽 embalsamador

Etymology

The term 'embalmer' is derived from the Middle English 'embalmen', which is rooted in the Latin word 'imbālum', meaning to preserve or protect. This practice dates back to ancient civilizations, particularly in Egypt, where embalming was used to prepare bodies for the afterlife. The techniques of embalming evolved over centuries, incorporating various chemicals and methods to delay decomposition. In the modern context, the profession of embalming became more structured in the 19th century with the establishment of formal funeral services. Embalmers are trained in anatomy, chemistry, and ethics, ensuring they provide respectful care for the deceased while supporting grieving families.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,330, 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.