Definition of Balm
1. Noun. Any of various aromatic resinous substances used for healing and soothing.
2. Noun. Semisolid preparation (usually containing a medicine) applied externally as a remedy or for soothing an irritation.
Exact synonyms: Ointment,
Salve,
Unction,
UnguentSpecialized synonyms: Arnica,
Baby Oil,
Balsam,
Carron Oil,
Cerate,
Chrism,
Chrisom,
Holy Oil,
Sacramental Oil,
Lip Balm,
Mentholated Salve,
Mercurial Ointment,
Zinc OintmentGeneric synonyms: Curative,
Cure,
Remedy,
TherapeuticCategory relationships: Medical Specialty,
MedicineTerms within: Lanolin,
Wool Fat,
Wool GreaseDerivative terms: Salve
Definition of Balm
1. n. An aromatic plant of the genus Melissa.
2. v. t. To anoint with balm, or with anything medicinal. Hence: To soothe; to mitigate.
Definition of Balm
1. a fragrant resin [n -S] : BALMLIKE [adj]
Medical Definition of Balm
1.
1. An aromatic plant of the genus Melissa.
2. The resinous and aromatic exudation of certain trees or shrubs.
3. Any fragrant ointment.
4. Anything that heals or that mitigates pain. "Balm for each ill.
" Balm cricket, the European cicada.
Balm of Gilead, a small evergreen African and Asiatic tree of the terebinthine family (Balsamodendron Gileadense). Its leaves yield, when bruised, a strong aromatic scent; and from this tree is obtained the balm of Gilead of the shops, or balsam of Mecca. This has a yellowish or greenish colour, a warm, bitterish, aromatic taste, and a fragrant smell. It is valued as an unguent and cosmetic by the Turks. The fragrant herb Dracocephalum Canariense is familiarly called balm of Gilead, and so are the American trees, Populus balsamifera, variety candicans (balsam poplar), and Abies balsamea (balsam fir).
Origin: OE. Baume, OF. Bausme, basme, F. Baume, L. Balsamum balsam, from Gr.; perhaps of Semitic origin; cf. Heb. Basam. Cf. Balsam.
Source: Websters Dictionary
(01 Mar 1998)
Lexicographical Neighbors of Balm
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