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balsam

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bal⋅sam

  [bawl-suhm]
–noun
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.
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Origin:
bef. 1000; ME balsamum, balsaum, OE balzaman < L balsamum < Gk bálsamon. See balm

Related forms:
bal⋅sa⋅ma⋅ceous  [bawl-suh-mey-shuhs] , adjective
bal⋅sam⋅ic  [bawl-sam-ik] , adjective
bal⋅sam⋅y, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2010.
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bal·sam   (bôl'səm)   
n.  

    1. Any of several aromatic resins, such as balsam of Peru and balsam of Tolu, that contain considerable amounts of benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, or both, or their esters.

    2. Any of several other fragrant plant resins, such as Canada balsam.

    3. A similar substance, especially a fragrant ointment used as medication; a balm.

  2. Any of various trees, especially the balsam fir, yielding an aromatic resinous substance.

  3. See jewelweed.


[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.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

balsam 
1579, "aromatic resin used for healing wounds and soothing pains," from L. balsamum (see balm). There is an isolated O.E. reference from c.1000. As a type of flowering plant of the Impatiens family, it is attested from 1741. Balsamic is from 1605.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: bal·sam
Pronunciation: 'bol-s&m
Function: noun
1 a : an aromatic and usually oily and resinous substance flowing from variousplants; especially : any of several resinous substances containing benzoic or cinnamic acid and used especially in medicine b : a preparation containing resinoussubstances and having a balsamic odor
2 : a balsam-yielding tree
3 : BALM 3 —bal·sam·ic /bol-'sam-ik/ adjective
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Science Dictionary
balsam   (bôl'səm)  Pronunciation Key 
Any of several aromatic resins that flow from certain plants and that contain considerable amounts of benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, or both, or their esters. Balsams are used in perfumes and medicines.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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