balsam

 
Pronunciation: /ˈbɔːlsəm, ˈbɒl-/

noun

  • 1 [mass noun] an aromatic resinous substance, such as balm, exuded by various trees and shrubs and used as a base for certain fragrances and medical preparations: a mixture of olive oil and balsam [count noun]: a hair conditioner with protein and balsams
  • [count noun] a tree or shrub which yields balsam.
  • 2a herbaceous plant cultivated for its helmeted pink or purple flowers.
    • Genus Impatiens, family Balsaminaceae: several species

Derivatives

balsamic

Pronunciation: /-ˈsamɪk/
adjective

Origin:

Old English, via Latin from Greek balsamon