ˈbȯlsəm noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Latin balsamum — more at balm
1.
a. : an aromatic substance flowing spontaneously or by incision from a plant and not necessarily remaining liquid
b.
(1) : any of various oleoresins (as copaiba and Canada balsam)
(2) : any of several resinous substances (as balm of Gilead and benzoin) that contain benzoic or cinnamic acid in addition to resin and usually essential oil — called also true balsam
c. : any of various pharmaceutical preparations containing resinous substances and having a balsamic odor
2. : any of several balsam-yielding trees: as
a. : balsam fir
b. : balsam poplar
c. : the tree that produces balsam of Tolu
3. : something that heals or soothes
music was balsam to the senses
the balsam of flattery
4. : a plant of the genus Impatiens ; especially : garden balsam
5. : cypress spurge
6. : balsamweed 1