balsam
balsam Lexical Profile
• noun
An aromatic, resinous exudate obtained from certain trees and shrubs, containing benzoic or cinnamic acid and used in medicines, salves, and perfumery.
"The apothecary mixed natural balsam into the salve to create a soothing ointment for chapped skin."
Any of various resin-yielding trees, especially the balsam fir (Abies balsamea) of North America, valued for its fragrant evergreen needles, timber, and Canada balsam resin.
"The crisp autumn air in the northern woods was filled with the clean, piney scent of balsam."
Any of various succulent annual or perennial flowering plants of the genus Impatiens (family Balsaminaceae), especially garden balsam (Impatiens balsamina), cultivated for their showy, spurred blossoms in shades of pink, red, purple, and white and seed pods that burst open when touched.
"She planted rows of colorful garden balsam along the shaded border, admiring their camellia-like blooms."
Something that heals, comforts, or soothes emotional pain or distress.
"Her kind words of encouragement acted as a gentle balsam to his wounded pride."
• verb
To anoint, embalm, or soothe with or as if with fragrant balsam.
"The ancient attendants carefully balsamed the royal linens with aromatic resins before the ceremony."
• Rhymes for balsam
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Latin balsamum and Ancient Greek balsamon, ultimately of Semitic origin (akin to Hebrew besem, meaning "spice" or "aromatic resin"). The shorter English word "balm" is a doublet that passed through Old French.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.