balsam

Plural: balsams

Noun

any seed plant yielding balsam
any of various fragrant oleoresins used in medicines and perfumes
an ointment containing a fragrant resin
A sweet-smelling oil or resin derived from various plants.
A plant or tree yielding such substance.
A soothing ointment.
Something soothing.
A flowering plant of the genus Impatiens.
The balsam family of flowering plants (Balsaminaceae), which includes Impatiens and Hydrocera.
A balsam fir Abies balsamea.
Canada balsam, a turpentine obtained from the resin of balsam fir.

Verb

Verb Forms: balsamed, balsaming, balsams

To anoint or soothe with a fragrant, resinous substance.
To treat or anoint with balsam.

Examples

Classical music is a sweet balsam for our sorrows
He hoped the high score would balsam his wounded pride from the last round.

Origin / Etymology

Borrowed from Latin balsamum, from Ancient Greek βάλσαμον (bálsamon, “balsam”), of Semitic origin (Hebrew בושם (“spice, perfume”)); compare Old English balsam, balsamum (“balsam, balm”), Doublet of balm and desman. Not related to balsa.

Synonyms

balm, impatiens, jewelweed, touch-me-not

Scrabble Score: 10

balsam: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
balsam: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
balsam: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 13

balsam: valid Words With Friends Word