balsam

Meanings

Noun

• A sweet-smelling oil or resin derived from various plants.
• A plant or tree yielding such substance.
• A soothing ointment.
• Something soothing.
• A flowering plant of the genus Impatiens.
• The balsam family of flowering plants (Balsaminaceae), which includes Impatiens and Hydrocera (genus).
• A balsam fir Abies balsamea.
• Canada balsam, a turpentine obtained from the resin of balsam fir.

Verb

• To treat or anoint with balsam.

Related

Similar words

• balm
• jewelweed, impatiens, touch-me-not

Origin

• Borrowed from Latin balsamum, from Ancient Greek βάλσαμον, of Semitic origin (Hebrew בושם ("spice, perfume")); compare Old English balsam, balsamum, balm.