— balmlike , adj.
/bahm/ , n.
1. any of various oily, fragrant, resinous substances, often of medicinal value, exuding from certain plants, esp. tropical trees of the genus Commiphora.
2. a plant or tree yielding such a substance.
3. any aromatic or fragrant ointment.
4. aromatic fragrance; sweet odor: the balm of orange blossoms.
5. any of various aromatic plants of the mint family, esp. those of the genus Melissa, as M. officinalis (lemon balm) , having ovate lemon-scented leaves used as a seasoning.
6. anything that heals, soothes, or mitigates pain: the balm of friendship in troubled times.
[ 1175-1225; ME basme, ba ( u ) me basme, bal ( s ) me, ba ( u ) me; OF balsamum BALSAM; with orthographic l pedantically restored ]
Syn. 3. salve, unguent, lotion, emollient.