balm of Gilead

noun phrase

balm of Gil·​e·​ad -ˈgi-lē-əd 

1

: an agency that soothes, relieves, or heals

2

: a small evergreen African and Asian tree (Commiphora gileadensis synonym C. opobalsamum of the family Burseraceae) with aromatic leaves

also : a fragrant oleoresin from this tree

3

: any of several poplars having resinous buds: such as

a

: a hybrid North American tree (Populus jackii) with broadly cordate leaves that are pubescent especially on the underside

b

: balsam poplar

Examples of balm of Gilead in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For 14 years, scientists have been growing a tree akin to the Judean balsam — the source of the balm of Gilead — but with no modern counterpart. —Franz Lidz, New York Times, 22 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Gilead, region of ancient Palestine known for its balm

First Known Use

1629, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

balm of Gilead

balm of Gil·​e·​ad -ˈgil-ē-əd 

1

: a small African and Asian tree with fragrant evergreen leaves

also : its fragrant oily resin

2

: any of several poplars (as balsam poplar) having buds that are full of resin

Medical Definition

balm of Gilead

noun

balm of Gil·​e·​ad -ˈgil-ē-əd 

1

: a small evergreen African and Asian tree (Commiphora meccanensis of the family Burseraceae) with aromatic leaves

2

: a fragrant oleoresin from the balm of Gilead

called also Mecca balsam