balsam
/'bɔ:lsəm/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A fragrant resinous substance: A sticky, aromatic plant secretion, often used in medicinal or perfumery preparations.
- An ointment or preparation containing such a resin: A healing or soothing salve made with fragrant resins.
- Any of various plants yielding such resins: A name for certain trees or plants, especially of the genera Abies (fir) or Populus (poplar), that produce balsam.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The ancient Egyptians used balsam in their embalming practices.
- She applied a balsam to the wound to soothe the irritation.
- The balsam fir is a common source of this aromatic resin.
Advanced Usage
- "Balsam of Peru": A specific dark, thick balsam obtained from a Central American tree (), used in perfumes and as a topical medication.
- Balsam of Peru is a common allergen in skin products.
- "Balsam for the soul": A metaphorical use meaning something that provides comfort or relief to emotional pain.
- His kind words were a balsam for her soul after the difficult loss.
Variants and Related Words
- Balsamic (adj): Having the qualities of or resembling balsam; fragrant, soothing.
- The air had a balsamic scent from the pine forest.
- Balsamiferous (adj): Yielding or producing balsam.
- The balsamiferous trees were tapped for their resin.
Synonyms
- Balm: An aromatic, soothing ointment or preparation.
- Oleoresin: A natural mixture of an essential oil and a resin, similar to balsam.
- Salve: A healing or soothing ointment.
Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)
(This word does not commonly form phrasal verbs.)
Related Idioms
- "Like balsam to a wound": Used to describe something that is very soothing or healing to a difficult situation.
- Her apology was like balsam to a wound, finally allowing him to forgive.
Noun
- an ointment containing a fragrant resin
- any of various fragrant oleoresins used in medicines and perfumes
- any seed plant yielding balsam