Canada balsam

American  

noun

1. a pale yellow or greenish, slightly fluorescent, clear, viscous, bitter-tasting, water-insoluble liquid, having a pleasant, aromatic, pinelike odor, and solidifying on exposure to air: obtained from the balsam fir, Abies balsamea, and used chiefly for mounting objects on microscope slides, in the manufacture of fine lacquers, and as a cement for lenses.

---

Canada balsam British  

noun

1. a yellow transparent resin obtained from the balsam fir. Because its refractive index is similar to that of glass, it is used as an adhesive in optical devices and as a mounting medium for microscope specimens

2. another name for balsam fir

---

Etymology

Origin of Canada balsam

An Americanism dating back to 1810–20

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Canada balsam

But on the Isle Royale National Park near Michigan’s border with Canada, balsam firs were being devoured.

From Seattle Times ● Dec. 20, 2023

Flexible collodion, containing Canada balsam and castor oil, does not crack, but, on the other hand, does not contract.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 6 "Cockaigne" to "Columbus, Christopher" by Various

Crystallites may also be produced by allowing a solution of sulphur in carbon disulphide mixed with Canada balsam to evaporate slowly, and their development may be watched on a microscopic slide.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 7 "Crocoite" to "Cuba" by Various

The statoblasts mounted in Canada balsam by Carter and now in the British Museum must be regarded as the types of the species named but not seen by Hyatt.

From Freshwater Sponges, Hydroids & Polyzoa by Nelson Annandale

Mix together two ounces of spirits of turpentine, and one ounce of Canada balsam.

From The Cook and Housekeeper's Complete and Universal Dictionary; Including a System of Modern Cookery, in all Its Various Branches, Adapted to the Use of Private Families by Mary Eaton

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---