balsam fir

American  

noun

1. a North American fir, Abies balsamea, having dark purplish cones and yielding Canada balsam.

2. the wood of this tree.

3. any of certain other firs.

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balsam fir British  

noun

1. Also called: balsam.   Canada balsam..  a fir tree, Abies balsamea , of NE North America, that yields Canada balsam See also balm of Gilead

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Etymology

Origin of balsam fir

An Americanism dating back to 1795–1805

Example Sentences

Mr. Dennis mainly harvests balsam fir, supplemented with cedar, pine and juniper.

From New York Times • Dec. 12, 2022

Filson Workshop Balsam Pillow: This handsome and petite 6-inch wool pillow from the Seattle heritage brand is stuffed with balsam fir needles to keep his office, workshop or car smelling like the forest.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 13, 2021

The cubed porcelain floor tiles in wood-grained, wire-brushed balsam fir from Daltile were one of the design elements that hiked the budget.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2019

Peterson said the park’s balsam fir trees, the preferred food for moose during winter, are being overeaten.

From Washington Times • Apr. 18, 2017

The leaves on the terminal shoots spread into a flat spray, two-ranked, like those of a balsam fir.

From Trees Worth Knowing by Rogers, Julia Ellen