WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026
bal•sam
(bôl′səm),USA pronunciation n.
bal•sa•ma•ceous
(bôl′sə mā′shəs),USA pronunciation adj.
bal•sam•ic
(bôl sam′ik),USA pronunciation adj.
bal′sam•y, adj.
- any of various fragrant exudations from certain trees, esp. trees of the genus Commiphora, as balm-of-Gilead. Cf. balm (def. 1).
- the similar products yielded by the leguminous trees Myroxylon pereirae and M. balsamum, of South America. Cf. Peru balsam, tolu.
- oleoresin (def. 1).
- any of certain transparent turpentines, as Canada balsam.
- a plant or tree yielding a balsam.
- See balsam fir.
- any of several plants belonging to the genus Impatiens, as I. balsamina, a common garden annual. Cf. balsam family.
- any aromatic ointment for ceremonial or medicinal use.
- any agency that heals, soothes, or restores:the balsam of understanding and appreciation.
- Greek bálsamon. See balm
- Latin balsamum
- bef. 1000; Middle English balsamum, balsaum, Old English balzaman
'balsamic' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):