balm[bäm; occas. bälm]
- The definition of a balm is a soothing, oily substance that smells good and comes from certain plants or is man-made.
- An example of a balm is aloe.
- An example of a balm is the aloe plant.
- An example of a balm is Chapstick.
Serverl fragrant balms.
- an aromatic gum resin obtained from certain trees and plants (esp. genus Commiphora of the bursera family) and used in the manufacture of perfume, medicine, etc.; balsam
- any fragrant ointment or aromatic oil for healing or anointing
- anything healing or soothing, esp. to the mind or temper
- any of various aromatic plants of the mint family, as the lemon balm
- pleasant odor; fragrance
Origin of balmMiddle English baume ; from Old French basme ; from Classical Latin balsamum, balsam ; from Classical Greek balsamon ; from Semitic (cf. Classical Hebrew (language) basam, Arabic bašām
- a. A chiefly Mediterranean perennial herb (Melissa officinalis) in the mint family, grown for its lemon-scented foliage, which is used as a seasoning or for tea. Also called lemon balm.b. Any of several related plants in the mint family, such as the bee balm and the horse balm.
- Any of various aromatic resins exuded from several trees and shrubs, especially the balm of Gilead (Commiphora) and related plants in the family Burseraceae.
- An aromatic salve or oil.
- A pleasing aromatic fragrance.
- A soothing, healing, or comforting agent or quality.
Origin of balmMiddle English baume, balsam, from Old French basme, from Latin balsamum; see balsam.
- 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.
- A plant or tree yielding such substance.
- Any soothing oil or lotion, especially an aromatic one.
- There is a balm in Gilead.... (Spiritual)
- (figuratively) Something soothing.
- Classical music is a sweet balm for our sorrows.
- Any of various aromatic plants of the genus Melissa, such as lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) or bee balm.
(third-person singular simple present balms, present participle balming, simple past and past participle balmed)