balsamic

[bawl-som-ik, ‐-sam‐]

noun

1. balsamic vinegar, an aromatic vinegar aged in wood barrels.

   a recipe for baked ham with balsamic, bourbon, and honey.

adjective

1. using balsamic vinegar as a primary ingredient.

   Drizzle the Brussels sprouts with balsamic dressing while they are still warm.

2. of the nature of, consisting of, or resembling balsam.

   Myrrh oil has a woody, balsamic scent when heated for aromatherapy.

Word History and Origins

Origin of balsamic¹

First recorded in 1680–90; balsam ( def. ) + -ic ( def. )

Example Sentences

It’s then finished off with sliced persimmon, thyme leaves, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar glaze and a pinch of flaky sea salt.

From Salon

I’ve slowly amassed a little lineup — rice, red wine, sherry, white balsamic — but the current star is CABI’s Sweet Yuzu Vinegar.

From Salon

There was the chicken breast I marinated in lemon juice, rice vinegar and balsamic reduction — a trio I would now classify, gently, as a vinaigrette bloodbath.

From Salon

They can also be added to an omelette or roasted on their own and finished with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.

From Salon

White balsamic, pomegranate, one that tastes like garlic in a velvet cape.

From Salon