| balm | 1. <botany> An aromatic plant of the genus Melissa. 2. The resinous and aromatic exudation of certain trees or shrubs. 3. Any fragrant ointment. 4. Anything that heals or that mitigates pain. "Balm for each ill. <zoology>" Balm cricket, the European cicada. <botany> Balm of Gilead, a small evergreen African and Asiatic tree of the terebinthine family (Balsamodendron Gileadense). Its leaves yield, when bruised, a strong aromatic scent; and from this tree is obtained the balm of Gilead of the shops, or balsam of Mecca. This has a yellowish or greenish colour, a warm, bitterish, aromatic taste, and a fragrant smell. It is valued as an unguent and cosmetic by the Turks. The fragrant herb Dracocephalum Canariense is familiarly called balm of Gilead, and so are the American trees, Populus balsamifera, variety candicans (balsam poplar), and Abies balsamea (balsam fir). Origin: OE. Baume, OF. Bausme, basme, F. Baume, L. Balsamum balsam, from Gr.; perhaps of Semitic origin; cf. Heb. Basam. Cf. Balsam. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| balm of Gilead | An oleoresin from Commiphora opobalsamum (family Burseraceae), probably the myrrh of the Bible; used in perfumery. Synonym: Mecca balsam, opobalsamum. (05 Mar 2000) |
| balmy | 1. Having the qualities of balm; odouriferous; aromatic; assuaging; soothing; refreshing; mild. "The balmy breeze." "Tired nature's sweet restorer, balmy sleep !" (Young) 2. Producing balm. "The balmy tree." Synonym: Fragrant, sweet-scented, odourous, spicy. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| mountain balm | The dried leaves of Eriodictyon californicum (family Hydrophyllaceae); the fluidextract and the syrup have been used as an expectorant and to mask the taste of bitter substances. Synonym: mountain balm, yerba santa. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| sweet balm | <botany> A genus of labiate herbs, including the balm, or bee balm (Melissa officinalis). Origin: NL, fr. Gr. Melissa a bee, honey. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |