balsam fir

American  

noun

1. a North American fir, Abies balsamea, having dark purplish cones and yielding Canada balsam.

2. the wood of this tree.

3. any of certain other firs.

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balsam fir British  

noun

1. Also called: balsam.   Canada balsam..  a fir tree, Abies balsamea , of NE North America, that yields Canada balsam See also balm of Gilead

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Etymology

Origin of balsam fir

An Americanism dating back to 1795–1805

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

balsam fir

Overpopulation of the lumbering mammals were causing their own starvation as they outstripped available balsam fir trees — their primary food during long, snowbound winters, Michigan Technological University biologists said.

From Seattle Times ● Jun. 14, 2023

Mr. Dennis mainly harvests balsam fir, supplemented with cedar, pine and juniper.

From New York Times ● Dec. 12, 2022

The cubed porcelain floor tiles in wood-grained, wire-brushed balsam fir from Daltile were one of the design elements that hiked the budget.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 18, 2019

Peterson said the park’s balsam fir trees, the preferred food for moose during winter, are being overeaten.

From Washington Times ● Apr. 18, 2017

He paused to strip bark from such seedlings of balsam fir as he chanced upon, scraping off and devouring the thin, sweetish pulp that lies between the bark and the mature wood.

From The Backwoodsmen by Sir Charles George Douglas Roberts