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balsam

bal·sam

UK/ˈbɔːl.səm/ US/ˈbɔl.səm/ uncommon uk

noun

2.

any of various fragrant oleoresins used in medicines and perfumes

3.

a fragrant ointment containing a balsam resin

Origin

Borrowed from Latin balsamum, from Ancient Greek βάλσαμον (bálsamon, “balsam”), of Semitic origin (Hebrew בושם (“spice, perfume”)); compare Old English balsam, balsamum (“balsam, balm”), Doublet of balm and desman. Not related to balsa.

Phrases

  • Abraham's balsam
  • balsam apple
  • balsam Canada
  • balsam fir
  • Balsam Lake
  • balsam of Acouchi
  • balsam of aniseed
  • balsam of Copaiba

Related words

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WordNet 2.1 (Princeton University). Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). CMU Pronouncing Dictionary. WordNet 2.1 Copyright Princeton University. All rights reserved. Wiktionary content is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike Licence.