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. 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

That first film, which celebrates the strength and power of young girls — as well as Polynesian culture with reverence and specificity — was a balm in the uncertain November of 2016.

From Los Angeles Times

I saw Leon’s production before the election and found it balm for the soul of a divided nation.

From Los Angeles Times

As a healing balm, this may feel thin.

From Salon

That’s why watching swearing Aussies fall in love while they care for a scruffy pup with wheel-aided hind legs is the soothing balm our brains need right now.

From Los Angeles Times

I tested the body and lip balm options while out hiking and camping in Kings Canyon National Park, and neither melted in the tube, even as the temperature crept beyond 90 degrees.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• lotion
• ointment
• potion
• salve