Balsam

Pronunciation

• enPR: bôlʹsÉ™m, IPA: /ˈbɔːlsÉ™m/

Alternative forms

• balsem, balsum, balsome

Origin

From Middle English *balsam, balsme, from Old English balsam, balsamum ("balsam, balm"), from Latin balsamum, from Ancient Greek βάλσαμον ("balsam"), of origin.

Full definition of balsam

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, figuratively) Something soothing.''Classical music is a sweet balsam for our sorrows
5. A flowering plant of the genus Impatiens.
6. A balsam fir.
7. Canada balsam, a turpentine obtained from the resin of balsam fir.

Synonyms

• (sweet-smelling oil) balm
• (plant or tree) balm
• (soothing ointment) balm
• (something soothing) balm
• (flowering plant of the genus Impatiens) jewelweed, impatiens, touch-me-not

Derived terms

Related terms

Verb

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

Anagrams

• sambal