Etymology

Recorded since 1579 for "aromatic resin used for healing wounds and soothing pains", from (also the root of balm via Old French basme, modern baume), itself from ," from Hebrew (basam) "spice", related to Arameic busma, Arabic (basham) "balsam, spice, perfume". There is an isolated Old English reference from c.1000. As a type of flowering plant of the Balsaminaceae or Impatiens family, it is attested from 1741.

Noun

1. A flowering plant of the genus Impatiens.
2. A sweet-smelling oil or resin derived from various plants.
3. A soothing ointment.
4. Something soothing.

   Classical music is a sweet balsam for our sorrows

Related terms

• balm
• balsamate
• balsamation
• Balsaminaceae
• balsamine
• balsamise, balsamize

• balsamitic
• balsamo
• balsamous
• balsamum
• opobalsam, opobalsamum
• xylobalsamum