| The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000. |
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| balsam |
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| SYLLABICATION: | bal·sam |
| PRONUNCIATION: |  bôl s m |
| NOUN: | 1a. Any of several aromatic resins, such as balsam of Peru and balsam of Tolu, that contain considerable amounts of benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, or both, or their esters. b. Any of several other fragrant plant resins, such as Canada balsam. c. A similar substance, especially a fragrant ointment used as medication; a balm. 2. Any of various trees, especially the balsam fir, yielding an aromatic resinous substance. 3. See jewelweed. | | ETYMOLOGY: | Latin balsamum, from Greek balsamon, of Semitic origin. See b m in Appendix II.
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| The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by the Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. |
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