balsam

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin balsamum, from Ancient Greek βάλσαμον (bálsamon, “balsam”), of Semitic origin (Hebrew בושם (“spice, perfume”)); compare Old English balsam, balsamum (“balsam, balm”), Doublet of balm. Not related to balsa.

noun

  1. (chiefly UK) A sweet-smelling oil or resin derived from various plants.
  2. (chiefly UK) A plant or tree yielding such substance.
  3. (chiefly UK) A soothing ointment.
  4. (chiefly UK, figurative) Something soothing.
    Classical music is a sweet balsam for our sorrows
  5. A flowering plant of the genus Impatiens.
  6. The balsam family of flowering plants (Balsaminaceae), which includes Impatiens and Hydrocera.
  7. A balsam fir Abies balsamea.
  8. Canada balsam, a turpentine obtained from the resin of balsam fir.

verb

  1. (transitive) To treat or anoint with balsam.

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