balm

balm

noun \ˈbä(l)m\

Definition of BALM

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 balm

4

: a spicy aromatic odor

5

: a soothing restorative agency

Examples of BALM

1. Art can be a balm to the soul.
2. She shows that laughter is a balm for difficult times.

Origin of BALM

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

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to BALM

Synonyms: aroma, attar (also otto), fragrance, bouquet, fragrancy, incense, perfume, redolence, scent, spice

Antonyms: fetor, malodor, reek, stench, stink

Related Words: essence, odor

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Other Pharmacology Terms

anodyne, cathartic, emetic, emollient, liniment, paregoric, poultice, purgative, soporific, spectrum

Rhymes with BALM

bomb, bombe, calm, gaum, Guam, glom, mom, palm, Pom, pram, prom, psalm, ROM, tom