balsam

noun

bal·​sam ˈbȯl-səm How to pronounce balsam (audio)
1
a
: an aromatic and usually oily and resinous substance flowing from various plants
especially : any of several resinous substances containing benzoic or cinnamic acid and used especially in medicine
b
: a preparation containing resinous substances and having a balsamic odor
2
a
: a balsam-yielding tree
especially : balsam fir
b
: impatiens
especially : a common garden ornamental (Impatiens balsamina)
3

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Other notes include Lebanese Neroli and Italian Mandarin, as well as amber and balsam tones of myrrh and benzoin and vanilla and musk notes. Allyson Portee, Forbes, 21 Apr. 2023 Natural ingredients like stimulating eucalyptus, refreshing birch leaf, and soothing Canadian balsam leave skin refreshed and enlivened. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 30 Sep. 2022 A touch of oud moves into the base and pairs with Peruvian balsam and spice. Dallas News, 30 Nov. 2022 Formulated with a unique combination of jasmine, evernyl and fir balsam, Sweven by Oakcha is designed to evoke the enchanting forests of England. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 15 Dec. 2022 Firs such as Canaan, balsam, noble and concolor retain their needles the longest and make great cut trees. Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 10 Dec. 2022 The candles at Trader Joe’s are beloved for their portability, lead-free cotton wicks (which burn for up to 20 hours), and fresh scents like peony blossom, cedar balsam, and Honeycrisp apple. Hollyanna Mccollom, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Mar. 2023 Herbaceous notes of coriander, bay leaf, and patchouli blend with tonka bean and Peru balsam to create an elegant aroma that’s a perfect fit. Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, 20 Dec. 2022 In 2019, the state Legislature updated the law that required buyers of balsam boughs to obtain a DNR license. Tony Kennedy, Star Tribune, 22 Oct. 2020 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'balsam.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin balsamum, from Greek balsamon, probably of Semitic origin; akin to Hebrew bāshām balsam

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of balsam was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near balsam

Cite this Entry

“Balsam.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/balsam. Accessed 9 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

balsam

noun
bal·​sam ˈbȯl-səm How to pronounce balsam (audio)
1
a
: a fragrant and usually oily substance that slowly flows from various plants
b
: a preparation containing or smelling like balsam
2
a
: a balsam-yielding tree (as balsam fir)
b
: impatiens
especially : one grown as an ornamental
3
balsamic
bȯl-ˈsam-ik
adjective

Medical Definition

balsam

noun
bal·​sam ˈbȯl-səm How to pronounce balsam (audio)
1
a
: an aromatic and usually oily and resinous substance flowing from various plants
especially : any of several resinous substances containing benzoic or cinnamic acid and used especially in medicine
b
: a preparation containing resinous substances and having a balsamic odor
2
: a balsam-yielding tree
3
balsamic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on balsam

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