First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
balsam
noun bal·sam \ˈbȯl-səm\
: an oily substance with a pleasant smell that comes from different kinds of plants
Full Definition of BALSAM
1
a : an aromatic and usually oily and resinous substance flowing from various plants; especially : any of several resinous substances containing benzoic or cinnamic acid and used especially in medicine b : a preparation containing resinous substances and having a balsamic odor
2
a : a balsam-yielding tree; especially : balsam fir b : impatiens; especially : a common garden ornamental (Impatiens balsamina)
3
: balm 5
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Origin of BALSAM
Latin balsamum, from Greek balsamon, probably of Semitic origin; akin to Hebrew bāshām balsam
BALSAM Defined for Kids
balsam
noun bal·sam \ˈbȯl-səm\
Definition of BALSAM for Kids
1
: a material with a strong pleasant smell that oozes from some plants
2
: a fir tree that yields balsam
Medical Dictionary
balsam
noun bal·sam \ˈbȯl-səm\
Medical Definition of BALSAM
1
a : an aromatic and usually oily and resinous substance flowing from various plants; especially : any of several resinous substances containing benzoic or cinnamic acid and used especially in medicine b : a preparation containing resinous substances and having a balsamic odor
2
: a balsam-yielding tree
3
: balm 3
—bal·sam·ic \bȯl-ˈsam-ik\ adjective
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