balsam

noun

bal·​sam ˈbȯl-səm 

1

a

: an aromatic and usually oily and resinous substance flowing from various plants

especially : any of several resinous substances containing benzoic or cinnamic acid and used especially in medicine

b

: a preparation containing resinous substances and having a balsamic odor

2

a

: a balsam-yielding tree

especially : balsam fir

b

: impatiens

especially : a common garden ornamental (Impatiens balsamina)

3

: balm sense 5

Examples of balsam in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This transportive scent is lush and sensual, leading off with gourmand cherry and rum notes, before setting into a warm cacao, myrrh, and balsam base. —Sarah Hoffmann, Allure, 5 Dec. 2024

Start by filling the space with a delicious candle scent, like this balsam and cedar option from Yankee Candle that’s perfect for the holiday season. —Averi Baudler, People.com, 30 Nov. 2024

The woody-aromatic accord of Winter Fire features cedar and fir balsam notes, with fir and cashmere wood at its core, over a rich base of amber and incense. —Emma Sandler, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

Yankee Candle Balsam and Cedar Large Jar Candle 40,000+ Amazon shoppers recently picked up this balsam and cedar scented candle just in time for winter. —Isabel Garcia, People.com, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin balsamum, from Greek balsamon, probably of Semitic origin; akin to Hebrew bāshām balsam

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing balsam

• balsam fir
• balsam poplar
• Canada balsam

Kids Definition

balsam

noun

bal·​sam ˈbȯl-səm 

1

a

: a fragrant and usually oily substance that slowly flows from various plants

b

: a preparation containing or smelling like balsam

2

a

: a balsam-yielding tree (as balsam fir)

b

: impatiens

especially : one grown as an ornamental

3

: balm sense 2

balsamic

bȯl-ˈsam-ik

adjective

Medical Definition

balsam

noun

bal·​sam ˈbȯl-səm 

1

a

: an aromatic and usually oily and resinous substance flowing from various plants

especially : any of several resinous substances containing benzoic or cinnamic acid and used especially in medicine

b

: a preparation containing resinous substances and having a balsamic odor

2

: a balsam-yielding tree

3

: balm sense 3

balsamic

bȯl-ˈsam-ik 

adjective