n. [ L. balsamum the balsam tree or its resin, Gr.
☞ The balsams are aromatic resinous substances, flowing spontaneously or by incision from certain plants. A great variety of substances pass under this name, but the term is now usually restricted to resins which, in addition to a volatile oil, contain benzoic and cinnamic acid. Among the true balsams are the balm of Gilead, and the balsams of copaiba, Peru, and Tolu. There are also many pharmaceutical preparations and resinous substances, possessed of a balsamic smell, to which the name balsam has been given. [ 1913 Webster ]
Was not the people's blessing a balsam to thy blood? Tennyson. [ 1913 Webster ]
Balsam apple (Bot.),
Balsam fir (Bot.),
Balsam of copaiba.
Balsam of Mecca,
Balsam of Peru,
Balsam of Tolu,
Balsam tree,
Canada balsam,
Balsam of fir
v. t. To treat or anoint with balsam; to relieve, as with balsam; to render balsamic. [ 1913 Webster ]
n.
a. [ Balsam + -ferous. ] Producing balsam. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. a natural family comprising the balsams, distinguished from the family
n. [ Cf. F. balsamine, fr. Gr.
n. genus of coarse West American herbs with large roots containing an aromatic balsam.
a. Having the quality of balsam; containing balsam. “A balsamous substance.” Sterne. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. a plant of the genus