balsam
3 synonyms for balsam, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A sweet-smelling oil or resin taken from various plants.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A sweet-smelling oil or resin taken from various plants.
“The perfumer blended a little balsam into the mixture.”
2. noun
A flowering plant of the genus Impatiens.
“A row of pink balsam grew along the garden path.”
impatiens
jewelweed
How to use balsam
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
balsam fir
Himalayan balsam
The ointment and resin senses are chiefly British.
Etymology
The word was borrowed from Latin balsamum, which came from Ancient Greek bálsamon. The Greek word was itself of Semitic origin.
Full origin of balsam →Frequently asked questions
What is balsam?
Balsam is a sweet-smelling oil or resin from certain plants. The word also names a flowering plant of the genus Impatiens and a soothing ointment.
Is balsam related to balsa wood?
No. Balsam and balsa are not related, despite the similar spelling.
What is the difference between balsam and balm?
They are related words that share a source, and balm can stand in for balsam in the senses of a fragrant resin or a soothing ointment.
