n.
Pronunciation: ' bä(l)m
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English basme, baume, from Anglo-French, from Latin balsamum balsam
Date: 13th century
1 : a balsamic resin especially : one from small tropical evergreen trees (genus Commiphora of the family Burseraceae)
2 : an aromatic preparation (as a healing ointment)
3 : any of several aromatic plants of the mint family especially : LEMON BALM
4 : a spicy aromatic odor
5 : a soothing restorative agency