Preserving a dead body or body parts, usually for burial, by injecting a preservative solution such as formaldehyde. Usually done within 48 hours of death.
The preservation of a dead body by the introduction of chemical compounds that delay putrefaction. The ancient Egyptians raised the process to a fine art in the production of their mummies. Today embalming is employed mainly so that a body can be transported long distances and funeral rites can be conducted without undue haste. In the US embalming is a routine hygienic measure.
Preparing a body or part of a body for burial by injecting it with a preservative such as a 4% formaldehyde solution. This is usually done within 48 hr of death.