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

We’ll take our balm where we can find it, especially now.

From Salon

Although their paths seem to be widely divergent, Vernice and Annie’s common desire for love, connection and purpose resonates deeply, which promises to make “Kin” a balm for readers’ fractured spirits in these divided times.

From Los Angeles Times

"I sensed very early on that chess would be a balm to soothe my sorrow, my shield against life’s uncertainties," she writes.

From Barron's

Spending time in the company of a man who has been at the heart of British literary culture for nearly 50 years is balm for the soul.

From BBC

“Greenland 2: Migration” offers up a proudly, even defiantly optimistic view of what comes after disaster, which can serve for the viewer as either cathartic fictional balm, or Pollyanna-ish fantasy — pick your poison.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• lotion
• ointment
• potion
• salve