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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 medicine
b : a preparation containing resinous substances and having a balsamic odor
3 : balm sense 5
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Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
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The first known use of balsam was before the 12th century
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