Balm

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /bɑːm/
• US IPA: /bÉ‘m/, /bÉ‘lm/
• Rhymes: -ɑːm
• Homophones: bomb

Origin

From Anglo-Norman and Middle French baume, from Old French basme, from Latin balsamum. Spelling modified 16th c. to conform to Latin etymology.

Full definition of balm

Noun

1. Any of various aromatic resins exuded from certain plants, especially trees of the genus Commiphora of Africa, Arabia and India and of South America.
2. A plant or tree yielding such substance.
3. Any soothing oil or lotion, especially an aromatic one.There is a balm in Gilead.... (Spiritual)
4. (figuratively) Something soothing.Classical music is a sweet balm for our sorrows.
5. Any of various aromatic plants of the genus Melissa, such as lemon balm () or bee balm.

Synonyms

• (aromatic resin) balsam
• (plant or tree) balsam
• (soothing oil or lotion) balsam
• (something soothing) balsam

Related terms

• balmy
• balsam
• embalming

Verb

1. (archaic) To anoint with balm, or with anything medicinal.
2. (figurative) To soothe; to mitigate.

Anagrams

• blam
• lamb