Main Entry:

balm

Pronunciation:

\ˈbä(l)m\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English basme, baume, from Anglo-French, from Latin balsamum balsam

Date:

13th century

1: a balsamic resin ; especially : one from small tropical evergreen trees (genus Commiphora of the family Burseraceae)2: an aromatic preparation (as a healing ointment)3: any of several aromatic plants of the mint family ; especially : lemon balm4: a spicy aromatic odor5: a soothing restorative agency