balm

 
Pronunciation: /bɑːm/

noun

  • 1a fragrant cream or liquid used to heal or soothe the skin: a skin balm for use after shaving
  • something that has a soothing or restorative effect: the murmur of the water can provide balm for troubled spirits
  • 2a tree which yields a fragrant resinous substance, especially one used in medicine.
    • Species in several families, in particular those of the genus Commiphora (family Burseraceae).
  • [mass noun] the resinous substance yielded by a balm.
  • 3 (also lemon or sweet balm) [mass noun] a bushy herb of the mint family, with leaves smelling and tasting of lemon.
    • Melissa officinalis, family Labiatae
  • used in names of other aromatic herbs of the mint family, e.g. bee balm.

Origin:

Middle English (in the sense 'preparation for embalming, fragrant resinous substance'): from Old French basme, from Latin balsamum (see balsam)