[ bα:m ]
■ noun
1》 a fragrant ointment used to heal or soothe the skin.
↘something that has a soothing or restorative effect.
2》 a tree which yields a fragrant resinous substance, especially one used in medicine. [Genus Commiphora : numerous species.]
↘used in names of other fragrant plants, chiefly of the mint family, e.g. lemon ~ .
Origin
ME: from OFr. basme , from L. balsamum (see balsam ).