Definitions for: Balm

[n] semisolid preparation (usually containing a medicine) applied externally as a remedy or for soothing an irritation
[n] any of various aromatic resinous substances used for healing and soothing

Webster (1913) Definition: Balm, n. [OE. baume, OF. bausme, basme, F. baume, L.
balsamum balsam, from Gr. ?; perhaps of Semitic origin; cf.
Heb. b[=a]s[=a]m. Cf. Balsam.]
1. (Bot.) An aromatic plant of the genus Melissa.

2. The resinous and aromatic exudation of certain trees or
shrubs. --Dryden.

3. Any fragrant ointment. --Shak.

4. Anything that heals or that mitigates pain. ``Balm for
each ill.'' --Mrs. Hemans.

Balm cricket (Zo["o]l.), the European cicada. --Tennyson.

Balm of Gilead (Bot.), 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 color, 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).

Balm, v. i.
To anoint with balm, or with anything medicinal. Hence: To
soothe; to mitigate. [Archaic] --Shak.

Synonyms: ointment, salve, unction, unguent

See Also: arnica, baby oil, balm of Gilead, balsam, balsam, carron oil, cerate, chrism, chrisom, curative, cure, holy oil, lanolin, lip balm, mentholated salve, mercurial ointment, remedy, sacramental oil, wool fat, wool grease, zinc ointment

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