Definition of BALM

balm

Meanings

Plural: balms

Noun

  • any of various aromatic resinous substances used for healing and soothing
  • semisolid preparation (usually containing a medicine) applied externally as a remedy or for soothing an irritation
  • Any of various aromatic resins exuded from certain plants, especially trees of the genus Commiphora of Africa, Arabia and India and Myroxylon of South America.
  • An aromatic preparation for embalming the dead.
  • A plant or tree yielding such substance.
  • Any soothing oil or lotion, especially an aromatic one.
  • Something soothing.
  • The lemon balm, Melissa officinalis.
  • Any of a number of other aromatic herbs with a similar citrus-like scent, such as bee balm and horsebalm.

Verb

  • To anoint with balm, or with anything medicinal.
  • To soothe; to mitigate.

Origin / Etymology

Inherited from Middle English bawme, borrowed from Anglo-Norman and Middle French baume, from Old French basme, from Latin balsamum, itself from Ancient Greek βάλσαμον (bálsamon). Spelling modified 16th c. to conform to Latin etymology. Doublet of balsam and desman.

Scrabble Score: 8

balm is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
balm is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
balm is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 11

balm is a valid Words With Friends word