balsam

[ bawl-suhm ]

noun

1. any of various fragrant exudations from certain trees, especially trees of the genus Commiphora, as balm-of-Gilead. Compare balm ( def 1 ).
2. the similar products yielded by the leguminous trees Myroxylon pereirae and M. balsamum, of South America. Compare Peru balsam, tolu.
3. oleoresin ( def 1 ).
4. any of certain transparent turpentines, as Canada balsam.
5. a plant or tree yielding a balsam.
6. balsam fir.
7. any of several plants belonging to the genus Impatiens, as I. balsamina, a common garden annual. Compare balsam family.
8. any aromatic ointment for ceremonial or medicinal use.
9. any agency that heals, soothes, or restores:

   the balsam of understanding and appreciation.

balsam

/ ˈbɔːlsəm; bɔːlˈsæmɪk /

noun

1. any of various fragrant oleoresins, such as balm or tolu, obtained from any of several trees and shrubs and used as a base for medicines and perfumes
2. any of various similar substances used as medicinal or ceremonial ointments
3. any of certain aromatic resinous turpentines See also Canada balsam
4. any plant yielding balsam
5. Also calledbusy Lizzie any of several balsaminaceous plants of the genus Impatiens , esp I. balsamina , cultivated for its brightly coloured flowers
6. anything healing or soothing

balsam

/ bôl′səm /

1. Any of several aromatic resins that flow from certain plants and that contain considerable amounts of benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, or both, or their esters. Balsams are used in perfumes and medicines.

Derived Forms

• ˈbalsamy, adjective
• balsamic, adjective

Other Words From

• bal·sa·ma·ceous [bawl-s, uh, -, mey, -sh, uh, s], adjective
• bal·sam·ic [bawl-, som, -ik, ‐-, sam, ‐], adjective
• bal·sam·y adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of balsam¹

before 1000; Middle English balsamum, balsaum, Old English balzaman < Latin balsamum < Greek bálsamon. See balm

Word History and Origins

Origin of balsam¹

C15: from Latin balsamum , from Greek balsamon , from Hebrew bāśām spice

Example Sentences

On the way down he identifies trees by which needles are best to sleep on: Balsam fir is good.

From The Daily Beast

Martin Balsam and Diane Cilento and all the good people are holed up in a shack at the top of the hill.

From The Daily Beast

Balsam boughs were gathered for the bed and some firewood collected; then we went down stream to fish and explore.

From Project Gutenberg

A vulnerary balsam invented by Guy, of Caliac, once in great repute, but now obsolete.

From Project Gutenberg

Its medicinal qualities are intermediate to those of the aromatic turpentines and balsam of tolu.

From Project Gutenberg

Castor oil may be detected in the way noticed under Balsam of Peru.

From Project Gutenberg

Of the nature of balsam, or containing or resembling it; bland, soothing, healing; balmy.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• lotion
• ointment
• potion
• salve