tr.v., -balmed, -balm·ing, -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.
[Middle English embaumen, from Old French embasmer : en-, in; see en-1 + basme, balm; see balm.]
embalmer em·balm'er n.embalmment em·balm'ment n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
