balsam

[ bawl-suh m ]
/ ˈbɔl səm /

noun

Origin of balsam

before 1000; Middle English balsamum, balsaum, Old English balzaman < Latin balsamum < Greek bálsamon. See balm

OTHER WORDS FROM balsam

bal·sa·ma·ceous [bawl-suh-mey-shuh s] /ˌbɔl səˈmeɪ ʃəs/, adjective bal·sam·ic [bawl-sam-ik] /bɔlˈsæm ɪk/, adjective bal·sam·y, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for balsam

British Dictionary definitions for balsam

balsam
/ (ˈbɔːlsəm) /

noun

any of various fragrant oleoresins, such as balm or tolu, obtained from any of several trees and shrubs and used as a base for medicines and perfumes
any of various similar substances used as medicinal or ceremonial ointments
any of certain aromatic resinous turpentines See also Canada balsam
any plant yielding balsam
Also called: busy Lizzie any of several balsaminaceous plants of the genus Impatiens, esp I. balsamina, cultivated for its brightly coloured flowers
anything healing or soothing

Derived forms of balsam

balsamic (bɔːlˈsæmɪk), adjective balsamy, adjective

Word Origin for balsam

C15: from Latin balsamum, from Greek balsamon, from Hebrew bāśām spice

Scientific definitions for balsam

balsam
[ bôlsəm ]

Any of several aromatic resins that flow from certain plants and that contain considerable amounts of benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, or both, or their esters. Balsams are used in perfumes and medicines.