embalm
UK[ɪmˈbɑːm]US[ɪmˈbɑːm]
v
to treat a dead body with chemicals, oils, etc. to prevent it from decaying
v
to preserve a memory, idea, etc. so that it is not forgotten
Morpheme Breakdown
em
balm
em
to put into, to cause to be
balm
aromatic resin, soothing ointment
Etymology
the word 'embalm' originates from the old french 'embaumer', which itself was formed from the prefix 'en-' (meaning 'in') and 'baume' (meaning 'balm'). this construction literally meant 'to put in balm'. the practice it describes is ancient, involving the use of aromatic resins and ointments to preserve a body. the greek source 'balsamon' referred to the balsam tree and its fragrant resin, prized for its preservative and soothing qualities. thus, the modern verb retains this core concept of using substances to prevent decay, while also extending metaphorically to the preservation of abstract things like memories.
Analysis
Structure: em + balm
- em: a variant of the prefix 'en-', from old french, ultimately from latin 'in-', meaning 'to put into, to cause to be'. it functions as an intensifying or verb-forming prefix.
- balm: from old french 'basme', from latin 'balsamum', from greek 'balsamon', meaning 'aromatic resin, soothing ointment'. it functions as the core root denoting a fragrant, preserving substance.
Examples
the ancient egyptians developed sophisticated techniques to embalm their pharaohs.
the funeral director will embalm the body before the viewing.
the poem serves to embalm the fleeting moments of her childhood.