balm-of-Gilead

[ bahm-uhv-gil-ee-uhd ]

/ ˈbɑm əvˈgɪl i əd /

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noun

any of several plants of the genus Commiphora, especially C. opobalsamum and C. meccanensis, which yield a fragrant oleoresin.

Also called Mecca balsam. the resin itself, a turbid yellow, green, or brownish-red water-insoluble gluey liquid, used chiefly in perfumery.

a hybrid North American poplar, Populus gileadensis, cultivated as a shade tree.

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Origin of balm-of-Gilead

First recorded in 1695–1705

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use balm-of-Gilead in a sentence

The Dallas Cowboys sell out their state-of-the art football stadium.
Will Texas Stay Texan?|David Fontana|December 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
We happily hoist our egg nog in the air, embrace each other, and raise our out-of-tune voices in song.
The Most Confusing Christmas Music Lyrics Explained (VIDEO)|Kevin Fallon|December 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
DISH delivers a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience to every room of your home, wirelessly.
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The company recently partnered with Oakley to create a one-of-a-kind single malt Scotch flask.
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A much larger number are immediately separated from their infants, who are typically placed in some form of out-of-home care.
The GOP’s Hidden Ban on Prison Abortions|Harold Pollack|December 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Every word that now fell from the agitated Empress was balm to the affrighted nerves of her daughter.
The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4|Jane Porter
This information was balm to Louis, as it seemed to promise a peaceful termination to so threatening an affair.
The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4|Jane Porter
The effect was that of a bird of Paradise bringing balm to our overwrought nerves.
Gallipoli Diary, Volume I|Ian Hamilton
You never know when you are going to stumble upon a jewel in the most out-of-the-way corner.
Music-Study in Germany|Amy Fay
But Lessard's a overbearin' son-of-a-gun all round, and he's always breakin' out in a new place.
Raw Gold|Bertrand W. Sinclair

British Dictionary definitions for balm-of-Gilead

balm of Gilead

noun

any of several trees of the burseraceous genus Commiphora, esp C. opobalsamum of Africa and W Asia, that yield a fragrant oily resinCompare balm (def. 1), myrrh (def. 1)

the resin exuded by these trees

a North American hybrid female poplar tree, Populus gileadensis (or P. candicans), with broad heart-shaped leaves

a fragrant resin obtained from the balsam firSee also Canada balsam

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012