balsam
UK[ˈbɔːlsəm]US[ˈbɔːlsəm]
n
An aromatic resin obtained from certain trees and shrubs, used in medicines and perfumes.
n
A soothing ointment or lotion.
n
A flowering plant of the genus Impatiens.
Etymology
The word 'balsam' has a fragrant journey through ancient languages. It originates from the Greek bálsamon, which referred to the aromatic resin of the balsam tree. The Greeks likely borrowed the term from a Semitic language, such as Hebrew bāśām, meaning "spice" or "perfume." This path reflects the substance's high value in ancient trade as a precious, sweet-smelling resin used for medicine, embalming, and ritual. The Latin balsamum carried it into medieval European languages, where its meaning expanded to denote any healing or soothing ointment, capturing the resin's primary medicinal use.
Analysis
The word is a simplex loanword. It entered English as a whole unit from Latin balsamum, which came from Greek bálsamon, itself likely borrowed from a Semitic source (compare Hebrew bāśām).
Examples
The ancient Egyptians used balsam in their embalming rituals.
She applied a cooling balsam to the irritated skin.
The garden was bright with colorful balsams throughout the summer.