balm

[ bahm ]

noun

1. any of various oily, fragrant, resinous substances, often of medicinal value, exuding from certain plants, especially tropical trees of the genus Commiphora.
2. a plant or tree yielding such a substance.
3. any aromatic or fragrant ointment.

   Synonyms: emollient, lotion, unguent, salve

4. aromatic fragrance; sweet odor:

   the balm of orange blossoms.

5. any of various aromatic plants of the mint family, especially those of the genus Melissa, as M. officinalis lemonbalm, having ovate lemon-scented leaves used as a seasoning.
6. anything that heals, soothes, or mitigates pain:

   the balm of friendship in troubled times.

balm

/ bɑːm /

noun

1. See balsam
   any of various oily aromatic resinous substances obtained from certain tropical trees and used for healing and soothing See also balsam
2. any plant yielding such a substance, esp the balm of Gilead
3. something comforting or soothing

   soft music is a balm

4. any aromatic or oily substance used for healing or soothing
5. Also calledlemon balm an aromatic Eurasian herbaceous plant, Melissa officinalis , having clusters of small fragrant white two-lipped flowers: family Lamiaceae (labiates)
6. a pleasant odour

Derived Forms

• ˈbalmˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

• balmlike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of balm¹

1175–1225; Middle English basme, ba ( u ) me < Anglo-French basme, bal ( s ) me, ba ( u ) me; Old French < Latin balsamum balsam; with orthographic l pedantically restored

Word History and Origins

Origin of balm¹

C13: from Old French basme , from Latin balsamum balsam

Example Sentences

Whenever stress strikes, they’ll be ready to gently massage their head, neck, face, shoulders, or anywhere else that could use a cooling balm.

From Popular-Science

Opportunities to be transported around the world through the pages of a good read have been a balm for adventure seekers.

From Outside Online

This consistent practice has offered a balm and a conscious choice to alter my perspective.

From Washington Post

Aleta Burchyski, copy editorI love gifting fancy lip balm—it’s something that everyone needs but few will buy for themselves.

From Outside Online

The energy capsules include organic beet and maca powder as well as organic matcha tea, while the sleep capsules include organic lemon balm and goji berries—and neither capsule is habit-forming.

From Fortune

On her new lip balm collection, what Tyra taught her and how being a mom inspires her management decisions.

From The Daily Beast

Before long, they began making shoe polish and, the big moneymaker: lip balm.

From The Daily Beast

They introduced the lip balm, a combination of beeswax and sweet almond oil, in 1991.

From The Daily Beast

From Crystal Pepsi to Cheetos Lip Balm, see the culinary innovations we probably could have done without.

From The Daily Beast

But what about odd concoctions we could have done without, like Cheetos lip balm?

From The Daily Beast

Every word that now fell from the agitated Empress was balm to the affrighted nerves of her daughter.

From Project Gutenberg

This information was balm to Louis, as it seemed to promise a peaceful termination to so threatening an affair.

From Project Gutenberg

The effect was that of a bird of Paradise bringing balm to our overwrought nerves.

From Project Gutenberg

The little foolish words, so sweetly commonplace, fell like balm upon an open wound.

From Project Gutenberg

She felt a great sense of relief, as if a balm were laid at evening upon the morning's wound.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• lotion
• ointment
• potion
• salve