noun
balsam
BAWL-suhm
Balsam (noun) means a sweet-smelling oil or resin taken from various plants. Example: “The perfumer blended a little balsam into the mixture.”
noun
1
A sweet-smelling oil or resin taken from various plants.
"The perfumer blended a little balsam into the mixture."
"Balsam has long been valued for its scent."
"The tree is tapped for its balsam."
2
A flowering plant of the genus Impatiens.
"A row of pink balsam grew along the garden path."
"Himalayan balsam is easy to recognise in summer."
"She planted balsam in the shady border."
3
A soothing ointment.
"She rubbed a little balsam into her aching shoulders."
"The chemist sold a balsam for sore muscles."
"He applied balsam to the dry patch of skin."
How to use balsam
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA fragrant plant resin, a soothing ointment, or a garden flower called impatiens.
When to use it
The ointment and resin senses are chiefly British.
Memory tip
Balsam has several meanings, so check whether the text is about a resin, a plant or an ointment.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
balsa
Common pairings
balsam fir
Himalayan balsam
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The perfumer blended a little _____ into the mixture.
Etymology
The word was borrowed from Latin balsamum, which came from Ancient Greek bálsamon. The Greek word was itself of Semitic origin.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
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.
What is the meaning of balsam?
"balsam" (noun) means a sweet-smelling oil or resin taken from various plants.
