01 n. A resin containing more or less of an essential or volatile oil.
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1.
A resin containing more or less of an essential or volatile oil.
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2.
A species of tree (Abies balsamea).(Bot.)
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3.
Anything that heals, soothes, or restores.“Was not the people's blessing a balsam to thy blood?” — Tennyson.
Phrases & compounds
Balsam apple —
an East Indian plant (Momordica balsamina), of the gourd family, with red or orange-yellow cucumber-shaped fruit of the size of a walnut, used as a vulnerary, and in liniments and poultices.
Balsam fir —
the American coniferous tree, Abies balsamea, from which the useful Canada balsam is derived.
Balsam of copaiba —
See Copaiba.
Balsam of Mecca —
balm of Gilead.
Balsam of Peru —
a reddish brown, syrupy balsam, obtained from a Central American tree (Myroxylon Pereiræ and used as a stomachic and expectorant, and in the treatment of ulcers, etc. It was long supposed to be a product of Peru.
Balsam of Tolu —
a reddish or yellowish brown semisolid or solid balsam, obtained from a South American tree (Myroxylon toluiferum). It is highly fragrant, and is used as a stomachic and expectorant.
Balsam tree —
any tree from which balsam is obtained, esp. the Abies balsamea.
Canada balsam —
Canada turpentine, a yellowish, viscid liquid, which, by time and exposure, becomes a transparent solid mass. It is obtained from the balm of Gilead (or balsam) fir (Abies balsamea) by breaking the vesicles upon the trunk and branches. See Balm.