lemon balm

noun

See under balm(def 5).

Origin of lemon balm

First recorded in 1885–90

Words nearby lemon balm

lemniscate, lemniscus, lemnitzer, lemnos, lemon, lemon balm, lemon cheese, lemon drop, lemon fish, lemon geranium, lemon grass

Definition for lemon balm (2 of 2)

balm
[ bahm ]
/ bɑm /

noun

any of various oily, fragrant, resinous substances, often of medicinal value, exuding from certain plants, especially tropical trees of the genus Commiphora.
a plant or tree yielding such a substance.
any aromatic or fragrant ointment.
aromatic fragrance; sweet odor: the balm of orange blossoms.
any of various aromatic plants of the mint family, especially those of the genus Melissa, as M. officinalis (lemon balm), having ovate lemon-scented leaves used as a seasoning.
anything that heals, soothes, or mitigates pain: the balm of friendship in troubled times.

Origin of balm

1175–1225; Middle English basme, ba(u)me < Anglo-French basme, bal(s)me, ba(u)me; Old French < Latin balsamum balsam; with orthographic l pedantically restored

SYNONYMS FOR balm

3 salve, unguent, lotion, emollient.

OTHER WORDS FROM balm

balm·like, adjective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH balm

balm bomb

British Dictionary definitions for lemon balm (1 of 2)

lemon balm

noun

the full name of balm (def. 5)

British Dictionary definitions for lemon balm (2 of 2)

balm
/ (bɑːm) /

noun

any of various oily aromatic resinous substances obtained from certain tropical trees and used for healing and soothing See also balsam (def. 1)
any plant yielding such a substance, esp the balm of Gilead
something comforting or soothing soft music is a balm
any aromatic or oily substance used for healing or soothing
Also called: lemon balm an aromatic Eurasian herbaceous plant, Melissa officinalis, having clusters of small fragrant white two-lipped flowers: family Lamiaceae (labiates)
a pleasant odour

Derived forms of balm

balmlike, adjective

Word Origin for balm

C13: from Old French basme, from Latin balsamum balsam

Medical definitions for lemon balm

balm
[ bäm ]

n.

An aromatic salve or oil.
A soothing, healing, or comforting agent.