balsam

American  

[bawl-suhm] / ˈbɔl səm /

noun

1. any of various fragrant exudations from certain trees, especially trees of the genus Commiphora, as balm-of-Gilead.

2. the similar products yielded by the leguminous trees Myroxylon pereirae and M. balsamum, of South America.

3. oleoresin.

4. any of certain transparent turpentines, as Canada balsam.

5. a plant or tree yielding a balsam.

6. balsam fir.

7. any of several plants belonging to the genus Impatiens, as I. balsamina, a common garden annual.

8. any aromatic ointment for ceremonial or medicinal use.

9. any agency that heals, soothes, or restores.

   the balsam of understanding and appreciation.

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balsam British  

/ ˈbɔːlsəm, bɔːlˈsæmɪk /

noun

1. any of various fragrant oleoresins, such as balm or tolu, obtained from any of several trees and shrubs and used as a base for medicines and perfumes

2. any of various similar substances used as medicinal or ceremonial ointments

3. any of certain aromatic resinous turpentines See also Canada balsam

4. any plant yielding balsam

5. Also called: busy Lizzie.  any of several balsaminaceous plants of the genus Impatiens , esp I. balsamina , cultivated for its brightly coloured flowers

6. anything healing or soothing

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balsam Scientific  

/ bôl′səm /

1. Any of several aromatic resins that flow from certain plants and that contain considerable amounts of benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, or both, or their esters. Balsams are used in perfumes and medicines.

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Other Word Forms

• balsamaceous
  adjective
• balsamic
  adjective
• balsamy
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of balsam

before 1000; Middle English balsamum, balsaum, Old English balzaman < Latin balsamum < Greek bálsamon. See balm

Explanation

Balsam is a scented sap that many trees produce. The substance that makes a Christmas tree smell incredibly good is balsam. Balsam is made of a type of sticky oil, specifically known as resin. The word usually connotes the smell of a pine or fir tree; balsam incense and balsam-scented candles have this rich, woodsy odor. But other plants and trees produce balsam as well. The word's Hebrew root is basam, which means "spice or perfume."

Example Sentences

Michael Shaughnessy, a supply-chain executive at Balsam Brands, which sells artificial Christmas trees and holiday decor, said he has spent the past few months preparing to file for refunds if they become available.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026

“This amazing property offers endless reserve views, horseback riding, a vegetable garden, all modern luxury amenities, and is adjacent to Balsam Farm and the magnificent Amagansett trail system,” it states.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 8, 2025

Soprano Louise Alder and trumpeter Alison Balsam will make star turns, alongside the traditional medley of sea shanties, Pomp and Circumstance and Auld Lang Syne.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2025

Honestly, you’re going to be inundated with enough Balsam Hill commercials for luxury fake trees and Weather Tech ads for car floor mats just by watching the channel that further product placement isn’t necessary.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 18, 2024

I was led to a seat on a stage set down on about the ten-yard line, with the Blue Ridge section of Levittown—Butternut Road, Balsam Road, Bittersweet Drive—just behind me.

From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove

Related Words

• lotion
• ointment
• potion
• salve