balsamic

American  

[bawl-som-ik, ‐-sam‐] / bɔlˈsɒm ɪk, ‐ˈsæm‐ /

noun

1. balsamic vinegar, an aromatic vinegar aged in wood barrels.

   a recipe for baked ham with balsamic, bourbon, and honey.

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adjective

1. using balsamic vinegar as a primary ingredient.

   Drizzle the Brussels sprouts with balsamic dressing while they are still warm.

2. of the nature of, consisting of, or resembling balsam.

   Myrrh oil has a woody, balsamic scent when heated for aromatherapy.

Etymology

Origin of balsamic

First recorded in 1680–90; balsam ( def. ) + -ic ( def. )

Example Sentences

The olive oil and balsamic meld everything into a glossy, lightly slick coating, while the oranges lend an unexpected pop of perfume that makes each bite feel simultaneously grounded and electric.

From Salon

Once everything is brown and caramelized, throw in a bowl and top with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

From Salon

It’s then finished off with sliced persimmon, thyme leaves, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar glaze and a pinch of flaky sea salt.

From Salon

I’ve slowly amassed a little lineup — rice, red wine, sherry, white balsamic — but the current star is CABI’s Sweet Yuzu Vinegar.

From Salon

There was the chicken breast I marinated in lemon juice, rice vinegar and balsamic reduction — a trio I would now classify, gently, as a vinaigrette bloodbath.

From Salon