Canada balsam

noun

1. a pale yellow or greenish, slightly fluorescent, clear, viscous, bitter-tasting, water-insoluble liquid, having a pleasant, aromatic, pinelike odor, and solidifying on exposure to air: obtained from the balsam fir, Abies balsamea, and used chiefly for mounting objects on microscope slides, in the manufacture of fine lacquers, and as a cement for lenses.

Canada balsam

noun

1. a yellow transparent resin obtained from the balsam fir. Because its refractive index is similar to that of glass, it is used as an adhesive in optical devices and as a mounting medium for microscope specimens
2. See balsam fir
   another name for balsam fir

Word History and Origins

Origin of Canada balsam¹

An Americanism dating back to 1810–20

Example Sentences

If this consists of glass, Canada-balsam or marine glue is best.

From Project Gutenberg

Some are best in a resinous medium, such as Canada Balsam, but most tissues are obscured or entirely obliterated in this medium.

From Project Gutenberg

From this source the "Canada Balsam" gum of commerce is taken.

From Project Gutenberg