Meaning

(chiefly UK) A sweet-smelling oil or resin derived from various plants..

Definitions by Sense

1. (chiefly UK) A sweet-smelling oil or resin derived from various plants.
2. (chiefly UK) A plant or tree yielding such substance.
3. (chiefly UK) A soothing ointment.
4. (chiefly UK, figuratively) Something soothing.
5. A flowering plant of the genus Impatiens.
6. The balsam family of flowering plants (Balsaminaceae), which includes Impatiens and Hydrocera.
7. A balsam fir Abies balsamea.
8. Canada balsam, a turpentine obtained from the resin of balsam fir.

Example Sentences

Classical music is a sweet balsam for our sorrows

Word Forms

• balsams
• balsem
• balsum
• balsome
• balsaming
• balsamed

Synonyms for balsam

Related Words

When Should You Use Balsam?

Use balsam when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

Practice This Word

Frequently Asked Questions