Definition of balsam
1a : 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 medicineb : a preparation containing resinous substances and having a balsamic odor
2a : a balsam-yielding tree; especially : balsam firb : impatiens; especially : a common garden ornamental (Impatiens balsamina)
3 : balm 5
Explore M-W
Recent Examples of balsam from the Web
-
After the evening meal, eat lettuce, drink wine, and rub an ointment made of the oil of violets or camphor on the temples. Dissolve a mixture of poppy seeds, lettuce seeds, balsam, saffron, and sugar and cook it in poppy juice.
-
The findings were that trees already at the southern end of their range will do poorly — including balsam fir, aspen, white spruce and tamarack.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'balsam.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of balsam
Latin balsamum, from Greek balsamon, probably of Semitic origin; akin to Hebrew bāshām balsam
BALSAM Defined for English Language Learners
balsam
playDefinition of balsam for English Language Learners
-
: an oily substance with a pleasant smell that comes from different kinds of plants
BALSAM Defined for Kids
balsam
playDefinition of balsam for Students
1 : a material with a strong pleasant smell that oozes from some plants
2 : a fir tree that yields balsam
Medical Dictionary
balsam
playMedical Definition of balsam
1a: 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 medicineb: a preparation containing resinous substances and having a balsamic odor
2: a balsam-yielding tree
3: balm 3
Learn More about balsam
-
Spanish Central: Translation of balsam Nglish: Translation of balsam for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about balsam
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up balsam? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!