balsam

noun

bal·sam | \ ˈbȯl-səm

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

2a : a balsam-yielding tree especially : balsam fir

b : impatiens especially : a common garden ornamental (Impatiens balsamina)

3 : balm sense 5

Examples of balsam in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The forest is thick with undisturbed birch, aspen, basswood, balsam and spruce. — Jennifer Bjorhus, Star Tribune, 10 July 2021 Firs such as Fraser, balsam, noble and concolor retain their needles the longest and make great cut trees. — Tim Johnson, chicagotribune.com, 11 Dec. 2021 Inspired by the speakeasy culture of 1930s Prohibition, this creative, woody fragrance brings a retro vibe to happy hour with essences of juniper, gin, red currant, balsam, oak, cypress and cedar. — Bianca Salonga, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2021 Fill your home with wintery magic, with this balsam and cedar Yankee Candle. — Lily Gray, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Dec. 2021 The trees available include balsam, Douglas, Frazier firs and Scotch pines and range in height 6 to 12 feet. — Alicia Fabbre, chicagotribune.com, 20 Nov. 2021 Boy Smells welcomes the new FIGURARE candle to its atelier, which boasts bold notes of fig leaves, black pepper, lavender, cardamom, pepperwood, and fir balsam, and is described as a modern take on traditional opulence by the brand. — Emerald Elitou, Essence, 18 Nov. 2021 The candle emanates with the scents of a cozy holiday fire (think: balsam, clove, amber, and sandalwood). — Joni Sweet, Forbes, 10 Nov. 2021 The upright stems of garden balsam (Impatiens Balsamina), a plant more popular decades ago than today, are studded with double flowers resembling miniature roses. — BostonGlobe.com, 7 Nov. 2021

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.