embalm etymology

Etymology:

• From Old French embaumer (“to embalm”), from Late Latin imbal̆sămāre, from Greek ἐμβαλσαμίζω (embaló, embalsamízo), from ἔμ- (ém-, “in”) + βάλσαμον (bálsamon, “balsam”).

Meaning:

• To preserve a body from decay by treating it with chemicals or resins.
• To saturate or permeate with something.

Origin:

The word "embalm" ultimately derives from the Greek word "balsamon," which refers to the aromatic resin obtained from the balsam tree (Commiphora opobalsamum). In ancient Egypt, where the practice of embalming originated, bodies were preserved by coating them with this resinous substance. The term "embalm" has since been extended to refer to any method of preserving a body from decay.

embalm relate terms

• balm

  Etymology The word balm comes from the Latin word balsamum which is derived from the

• balsam

  Etymology The word balsam derives from the Late Latin word balsamum which came from

• ensure

  Etymology The word ensure comes from the Old French word en seür which means to m

• insure

  Etymology Middle English assurer Anglo French asseurer Old French asseürer Late Lat

• sepulchre

  Etymology Latin sepulchrum from sepelio to bury Meaning A tomb or place of

• maintain

  Etymology Derived from the Old French word maintenir which means to hold keep or

• mummify

  Etymology The word mummify originates from the Latin word mumia which in turn is de

• conserve

  Etymology Latin conservāre to preserve keep safe Proto Indo European ker to

• converse

  Etymology The word converse derives from the Latin verb conversari which means to

• preserve

  Etymology Preserve comes from the Latin word præservare meaning to keep safe or prot

• phobia

  Etymology The word phobia originates from the Greek word phobos meaning fear or

• museum

  Etymology The word museum derives from the Greek term mouseion which originally refe

• smart

  Etymology of smart Middle English smarte smerte Old English smeortan smeort Proto

• resolution

  Etymology Latin resolutio Root re again back solvere to loosen release Mea