n.1 any of several aromatic resinous exudations, such as balm, obtained from various trees and shrubs and used as a base for certain fragrances and medical preparations.
2 an ointment, esp. one composed of a substance dissolved in oil or turpentine.
3 any of various trees or shrubs which yield balsam.
4 any of several flowering plants of the genus Impatiens.
5 a healing or soothing agency.
Phrases and idioms:
balsam apple any of various gourdlike plants of the genus Momordica, having warted orange-yellow fruits. balsam fir a N. American tree (Abies balsamea) which yields balsam. balsam poplar any of various N. American poplars, esp. Populus balsamifera, yielding balsam.
Derivatives:
balsamic adj.
Etymology: OE f. L balsamum