balsam
Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
balsam /ˈbɔːlsəm, ˈbɒl-/
▶noun
- 1 an aromatic resinous substance exuded by various trees and shrubs, used as a base for certain fragrances and medical preparations.
■ a tree or shrub which yields balsam.
- 2 a herbaceous plant cultivated for its helmeted pink or purple flowers. [Genus Impatiens.]
– derivatives
balsamic /-ˈsamɪk/ adjective.
balsamic /-ˈsamɪk/ adjective.
– origin OE, via L. from Gk balsamon.
'balsam' also found in these Oxford entries:
balm
- balsam fir
- Canada balsam
- friar's balsam
- liquidambar
- Nicol prism
- oleoresin
- sweet gum
- tolu
- touch-me-not
