balsam
noun
- resinous exudate (or sap), which forms on certain kinds of trees and shrubs
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /ˈbɔːl.səm/ / /ˈbɔl.səm/ / /ˈbɑl.səm/
name
Etymology: Borrowed from German Balsam, an occupational surname for a seller of perfumes. It could also be an English habitational surname, from Balsham, in Cambridgeshire.
- A surname from German.
noun
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 and desman. Not related to balsa.
- A sweet-smelling oil or resin derived from various plants.
- A plant or tree yielding such substance.
- A soothing ointment.
- Something soothing.
“Classical music is a sweet balsam for our sorrows”
- A flowering plant of the genus Impatiens.
- The balsam family of flowering plants (Balsaminaceae), which includes Impatiens and Hydrocera.
- A balsam fir Abies balsamea.
- Canada balsam, a turpentine obtained from the resin of balsam fir.
verb
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 and desman. Not related to balsa.
- To treat or anoint with balsam.