BALM


Meaning of BALM in English

I. ˈbä]m, ˈbȧ] also ]lm; sporadic & archaic ˈbam\ noun

( -s )

Etymology: Middle English baume, basme, from Old French basme, from Latin balsamum balsam, from Greek balsamon, probably of Semitic origin; akin to Hebrew bāśām spice, balsam

1. : any of several balsamic resins ; especially : the resinous and aromatic exudation from trees of the genus Commiphora

2. : an aromatic preparation: as

a. : a healing ointment

his hands were covered with blisters … doctored with some smelly iodine balm — Vicki Baum

b. obsolete : an oil or ointment for anointing

3. : any of various aromatic plants: as

a. : a plant of the genus Melissa ; especially : lemon balm

b. : a plant of the genus Monarda ; especially : oswego tea

4. : a spicy odor : an agreeably pungent or aromatic redolence

the white lilies in the garden, the herb bed near the bees — everything sent out fragrance and balm into the soft air — Agnes S. Turnbull

5. : a soothing restorative agency : something that brings comfort and relieves pain

bound up her wound … with the balm of understanding — Josephine Pinckney

friendship is … the finest balm for the pangs of disappointed love — Jane Austen

6. : a sticky resinous substance used by honey bees to varnish the inside of certain cells in the hive before eggs are laid in them — compare propolis

II. transitive verb

( -ed/-ing/-s )

Etymology: Middle English baumen, from baume, n.

1. obsolete : to anoint especially with balm

2. : soothe , alleviate

balm one's injured feelings

Webster's New International English Dictionary.      Новый международный словарь английского языка Webster.