balm

American  

[bahm] / bɑm /

noun

1. any of various oily, fragrant, resinous substances, often of medicinal value, exuding from certain plants, especially tropical trees of the genus Commiphora.

2. a plant or tree yielding such a substance.

3. any aromatic or fragrant ointment.

   Synonyms:

   emollient, lotion, unguent, salve

4. aromatic fragrance; sweet odor.

   the balm of orange blossoms.

5. any of various aromatic plants of the mint family, especially those of the genus Melissa, as M. officinalis lemonbalm, having ovate lemon-scented leaves used as a seasoning.

6. anything that heals, soothes, or mitigates pain.

   the balm of friendship in troubled times.

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balm British  

/ bɑːm /

noun

1. any of various oily aromatic resinous substances obtained from certain tropical trees and used for healing and soothing See also balsam

2. any plant yielding such a substance, esp the balm of Gilead

3. something comforting or soothing

   soft music is a balm

4. any aromatic or oily substance used for healing or soothing

5. Also called: lemon balm.  an aromatic Eurasian herbaceous plant, Melissa officinalis , having clusters of small fragrant white two-lipped flowers: family Lamiaceae (labiates)

6. a pleasant odour

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Other Word Forms

• balmlike adjective

Etymology

Origin of balm

1175–1225; Middle English basme, ba ( u ) me < Anglo-French basme, bal ( s ) me, ba ( u ) me; Old French < Latin balsamum balsam; with orthographic l pedantically restored

Example Sentences

When asked about two cleansing balms she has bought - one from a high-end brand and the other a low-priced equivalent - she says: "It's the same to me, I can't tell the difference."

From BBC

The hundreds of comments on Victoria’s videos are peppered with words such as “tranquility” and “balm” and respite from “this messy world.”

From The Wall Street Journal

I will become fearful, scared, depressed, and then literally like a balm — B-A-L-M — going, “Stop that. Count your blessings.”

From Los Angeles Times

Blanck’s classes have been a balm for his students in this worst of years.

From Los Angeles Times

She said the company is trying to appeal to younger consumers with more offerings such as limited-edition eye-shadow sticks and shimmer balms at low prices.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• lotion
• ointment
• potion
• salve