Balm is a sweet-smelling oil that is obtained from some tropical trees and used to make creams that heal wounds or reduce pain.
2. uncountable noun [oft aNOUN]
If you refer to something as balm, you mean that it makes you feel better.
[approval]
The place is balm to the soul.
Synonyms: comfort, support, relief, cheer More Synonyms of balm
More Synonyms of balm
balm in British English
(bɑːm)
noun
1.
any of various oily aromatic resinous substances obtained from certain tropical trees and used for healing andsoothing
See also balsam (sense 1)
2.
any plant yielding such a substance, esp the balm of Gilead
3.
something comforting or soothing
soft music is a balm
4.
any aromatic or oily substance used for healing or soothing
5. Also called: lemon balm
an aromatic Eurasian herbaceous plant, Melissa officinalis, having clusters of small fragrant white two-lipped flowers: family Lamiaceae (labiates)
6.
a pleasant odour
Derived forms
balmlike (ˈbalmˌlike)
adjective
Word origin
C13: from Old French basme, from Latin balsamumbalsam
balm in American English
(bɑm; occas. bɑlm)
noun
1.
an aromatic gum resin obtained from certain trees and plants (esp. genus Commiphora of the bursera family) and used in the manufacture of perfume, medicine, etc.; balsam
2.
any fragrant ointment or aromatic oil for healing or anointing
3.
anything healing or soothing, esp. to the mind or temper
4.
any of various aromatic plants of the mint family, as the lemon balm
5.
pleasant odor; fragrance
Word origin
ME baume < OFr basme < L balsamum, balsam < Gr balsamon < Sem (cf. Heb basam, Ar bašām
Examples of 'balm' in a sentence
balm
Marriage itself can be a healing balm for many of our early hurts.
Christianity Today (2000)
All confirmed its mythical status as a top healing balm.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
For others it is the balm and beauty of the river that matter most.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The richness of colour and refinement are a balm for your soul.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
But it is not just balm for the soul.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Top with the skewers and lemon balm to serve.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The only two herbs my grandad grew in his garden were mint and lemon balm.
The Sun (2014)
Reduce the size of invasive herbs such as lemon balm if they are getting too big for their space.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Rather than wear heavy lipstick, try a tinted lip balm.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Clean + Prepare is a very good balm for normal skin.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Tear the lemon balm and throw it in too, if using.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
At night, massage on a light oil or balm using gentle upward circular motion.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
BB is short for blemish balm or beauty balm and is packed with little gems to perfect your complexion.
The Sun (2014)
Work some balm into an oil then massage into your face, letting the cranberry and avocado oils do their thing.
The Sun (2014)
Charming by name, charming by nature, this book is a balm for the soul and the heart.
The Sun (2016)
It's also proof that you don't need to spend a fortune on a beauty balm to get a good result.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Growing - lemon balm makes best growth in fairly rich moist soil in a sunny position, although it is a tolerant plant.
Stickland, Sue Planning the Organic Herb Garden (1986)
After the hell of a miserable marriage, sweet solitude must be balm to the soul, and not something to give up lightly.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
I have found a kind of peace, it's been like a healing balm to be quite honest.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The solution is to use lip balm, skin moisturiser and avoid taking long hot baths or showers, which strip the skin of its protective oils.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
In other languages
balm
British English: balm NOUN
Balm is a sweet-smelling oil that is used to make creams that heal wounds.
...a jar of lip balm.
American English: balm
Brazilian Portuguese: bálsamo
Chinese: 做疗伤或镇痛药膏的 香树油
European Spanish: bálsamo
French: baume
German: Balsam
Italian: balsamo
Japanese: 芳香性の塗り薬
Korean: 연고
European Portuguese: bálsamo
Latin American Spanish: bálsamo
All related terms of 'balm'
bee balm
→ Oswego tea
lip balm
an ointment which comes in a stick or small tub and which is applied to the lips to soothe dryness, chapping , etc
lemon balm
a perennial mint ( Melissa officinalis ) with white or yellowish flowers and aromatic leaves: used in flavoring food, liqueurs , and medicines
Tiger balm
a mentholated ointment widely used as a panacea
aftershave balm
a soothing lotion for application to the face after shaving
balm of Gilead
any of several trees of the burseraceous genus Commiphora , esp C. opobalsamum of Africa and W Asia , that yield a fragrant oily resin
1 (noun)
Definition
an aromatic substance obtained from certain tropical trees and used for healing and soothing
The balm is very soothing.
Synonyms
ointment
a range of ointments for the treatment of eczema
cream
Gently apply the cream to the affected areas.
lotion
suntan lotion
salve
a soothing salve for sore, dry lips
emollient
Grapeseed oil is a gentle emollient.
balsam
liniment
embrocation
unguent
cerate
2 (noun)
Definition
something comforting or soothing
This place is a balm to the soul.
Synonyms
comfort
I tried to find some words of comfort to offer her.
support
We hope to continue to have her close support and friendship.
relief
The news will come as a great relief.
cheer
This news did not bring them much cheer.
consolation
I sought consolation in books and created my own world.
solace
I found solace in writing when my father died.
palliative
anodyne
succour
Have you offered comfort and succour to your friend?
restorative
curative
Additional synonyms
in the sense of cheer
Definition
a feeling of cheerfulness
This news did not bring them much cheer.
Synonyms
cheerfulness,
comfort,
joy,
optimism,
animation,
glee,
solace,
buoyancy,
mirth,
gaiety (old-fashioned),
merriment,
liveliness,
gladness,
hopefulness,
merry-making
in the sense of consolation
Definition
a consoling or being consoled
I sought consolation in books and created my own world.
Synonyms
comfort,
help,
support,
relief,
ease,
cheer,
encouragement,
solace,
succour,
alleviation,
easement,
assuagement
in the sense of cream
Definition
a cosmetic or medication that resembles cream in consistency