embalm

From Middle English embaumen, from Middle French embaumer, from Old French embasmer. See balm.

embalm (third-person singular simple present embalms, present participle embalming, simple past and past participle embalmed)

1. (transitive) To treat a corpse with preservatives in order to prevent decomposition.
   • Bible, Genesis 50:2

     And Joseph commanded his servants the physicians to embalm his father.

2. (transitive) To perfume or add fragrance to something.

• embalming
• embalmer