'embalm' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'embaumer,' where 'em-' meant 'in' and 'baume' meant 'balm.'

'embaumer' transformed into the Middle English word 'embaumen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'embalm.'

Initially, it meant 'to preserve a body with spices or balm,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.