Definition

1. 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

1. an ointment containing a fragrant resin
2. any of various fragrant oleoresins used in medicines and perfumes
3. any seed plant yielding balsam