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

Examples of balsam in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Yankee Candle Balsam and Cedar Large Jar Candle 40,000+ Amazon shoppers recently picked up this balsam and cedar scented candle just in time for winter. Isabel Garcia, People.com, 2 Dec. 2024 This fragrance is spiked with chestnut, clove oil, and balsam, a trio that perfectly embodies the holiday season. Annie Blackman, Allure, 2 Dec. 2024 From balsam firs to pines and spruces to cedars, there are many varieties to choose from when decking the halls of your home. Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 30 Nov. 2024 Two of the scents are more than half-off: balsam and cedar and red apple wreath. Molly Blanco, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for balsam 

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 11 Dec. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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