[bawl-suh
m] 
| 1. | any of various fragrant exudations from certain trees, esp. trees of the genus Commiphora, as balm-of-Gilead. Compare balm (def. 1). |
| 2. | the similar products yielded by the leguminous trees Myroxylon pereirae and M. balsamum, of South America. Compare Peru balsam, tolu. |
| 3. | oleoresin (def. 1). |
| 4. | any of certain transparent turpentines, as Canada balsam. |
| 5. | a plant or tree yielding a balsam. |
| 6. | balsam fir. |
| 7. | any of several plants belonging to the genus Impatiens, as I. balsamina, a common garden annual. Compare balsam family. |
| 8. | any aromatic ointment for ceremonial or medicinal use. |
| 9. | any agency that heals, soothes, or restores: the balsam of understanding and appreciation. |
[bawl-suh-mey-shuhs] , adjective [bawl-sam-ik] , adjective | bal·sam (bôl'səm) n.
[Latin balsamum, from Greek balsamon, of Semitic origin; see bśm in Semitic roots.] |
| jew·el·weed (jōō'əl-wēd') n. Any of several plants of the genus Impatiens having yellowish spurred flowers and seedpods that dehisce into five valves when mature. Also called balsam, touch-me-not. |