Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Popular Searches
Synonyms
Nearby Words

balmlike

 - 4 dictionary results

balm

  [bahm]
Use balmlike in a Sentence
–noun
1. any of various oily, fragrant, resinous substances, often of medicinal value, exuding from certain plants, esp. tropical trees of the genus Commiphora.
2. a plant or tree yielding such a substance.
3. any aromatic or fragrant ointment.
4. aromatic fragrance; sweet odor: the balm of orange blossoms.
5. any of various aromatic plants of the mint family, esp. those of the genus Melissa, as M. officinalis (lemon balm), having ovate lemon-scented leaves used as a seasoning.
6. anything that heals, soothes, or mitigates pain: the balm of friendship in troubled times.
Origin:
1175–1225; ME basme, ba(u)me < AF basme, bal(s)me, ba(u)me; OF < L balsamum balsam; with orthographic l pedantically restored

Related forms:
balmlike, adjective

Synonyms:
3. salve, unguent, lotion, emollient.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To balmlike
Word Origin & History

balm 
c.1220, basme, from O.Fr. basme, from L. balsamum, from Gk. balsamon "balsam," from Heb. basam "spice," related to Aram. busma, Ar. basham "balsam, spice, perfume." Spelling refashioned 15c.-16c. on L. model. Sense of "healing or soothing influence" (1549) is from aromatic preparations from balsam (see balsam). Biblical Balm of Gilead, however, began with Coverdale; the Heb. word there is tsori, which was rendered in Septuagint and Vulgate as "resin" (Gk. hretine, L. resina). Balmy "fragrant, mild" (of weather) is first attested 1704; meaning "weak-minded" is from 1851 London slang.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source
Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: balm
Pronunciation: 'bä(l)m, NewEng also 'bom
Function: noun
1 : a balsamic resin; especially : one fromsmall tropical evergreen trees (genus Commiphora of the family Burseraceae)
2 : an aromatic preparation (as a healing ointment)
3 : a soothingrestorative agency
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
Cite This Source
Medical Dictionary

balm (bäm)
n.

  1. An aromatic salve or oil.

  2. A soothing, healing, or comforting agent.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Cite This Source
Search another word or see balmlike on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way