Balsam
/ˈbɔːl.sæm/noun
A fragrant resin obtained from various trees, used in perfumes and traditional medicine.
Did you know?In ancient cultures, balsam was often used in rituals and believed to possess protective and healing powers, linking it to the divine.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Semitic
Semitic
*baḳāḇ
“A resinous substance used for healing and rituals.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
βάλσαμον (balsamon)
“A fragrant resin used in incense and perfumes, often linked to divine offerings.”
Latin
Latin
balsamum
“A term for aromatic resins, used in medicinal and ritual contexts.”
Old French
Old French
balsam
“Adopted from Latin, referring to aromatic substances used in healing.”
Middle English
Middle English
balsam
“Referring to the fragrant resin, often used in medicinal practices.”
Modern English
English
balsam
“Retained as a term for resinous substances with healing properties.”