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. 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. balsamic adj.
[ OE f. L balsamum ]