Jump To:

• balm-of-Gilead
  balm-of-Gilead

  noun

  any of several plants of the genus Commiphora, especially C. opobalsamum and C. meccanensis, which yield a fragrant oleoresin.
• 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 resin Compare balm myrrh

balm-of-Gilead

American  

[bahm-uhv-gil-ee-uhd] / ˈbɑm əvˈgɪl i əd /

noun

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

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

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

---

balm of Gilead British  

noun

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

2. the resin exuded by these trees

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

4. a fragrant resin obtained from the balsam fir See also Canada balsam

---

Etymology

Origin of balm-of-Gilead

First recorded in 1695–1705

Example Sentences

Still, it is useful—and depressing—to observe that both of these are balms offered in response to a single, desperate need.

From The New Yorker • Aug. 8, 2018