1. preserves a dead body from decay by treating it with chemicals
2. preserves something in memory or keeps it from being forgotten
Usage: figurative

Examples

• The funeral director embalms the body before the viewing.
• Ancient Egyptians embalmed their pharaohs with great care.
• The mortician embalms bodies using formaldehyde.
• This photograph embalms the memory of our wedding day.
• The poet’s words embalm the beauty of the countryside.
• History embalms the deeds of great leaders.