English Explanatory Dictionary

balm

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. Any of various aromatic resins exuded from certain plants, especially trees of the genus Commiphora of Africa, Arabia and India and Myroxylon of South America.
  2. An aromatic preparation for embalming the dead.
  3. A plant or tree yielding such substance.
  4. Any soothing oil or lotion, especially an aromatic one.
  5. Something soothing.
  6. The lemon balm, Melissa officinalis.
  7. Any of a number of other aromatic herbs with a similar citrus-like scent, such as bee balm and horsebalm.
verb
  1. To anoint with balm, or with anything medicinal.
  2. To soothe; to mitigate.

Pronunciation

/bɑːm/ /bɑm/ /bɔm/ /bɑlm/ /bɔlm/ /bæm/ en-us-balm.ogg

Word forms

balm balms balming balmed

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English bawme, borrowed from Anglo-Norman and Middle French baume, from Old French basme, from Latin balsamum, itself from Ancient Greek βάλσαμον (bálsamon). Spelling modified 16th c. to conform to Latin etymology. Doublet of balsam and desman.

Synonyms

balsam balm

Related words

lotion ointment unguent

Derived words

Balmer balmless balmlike balm of Gilead balm of Judea balm of Mecca balm tea balmy balmyard basil balm beard balm embalm heart balm heart-balm lip balm spotted bee balm tiger balm Vietnamese balm
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