Balm
[bɑːm] or [bɑm]
Definition
(noun.) any of various aromatic resinous substances used for healing and soothing.
Editor: Olaf--From WordNet
Definition
(n.) An aromatic plant of the genus Melissa.
(n.) The resinous and aromatic exudation of certain trees or shrubs.
(n.) Any fragrant ointment.
(n.) Anything that heals or that mitigates pain.
(v. i.) To anoint with balm, or with anything medicinal. Hence: To soothe; to mitigate.
Inputed by Jane
Definition
fragrant: mild and soothing: bearing balm.—Balm or Balsam of Gilead the resin of the tree Balsamodendron Gileadense formerly esteemed as an antiseptic the name originating in the belief that this is the substance mentioned in the Bible as found in Gilead and called in the English translation 'balm.'
Checked by Clifton
Examples
- Silence and attention was the best balm to apply: I listened. Charlotte Bronte. Villette.
- Would it at all pour balm into your wounds, Mr Venus, to inquire how you came acquainted with her? Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
- In her simple words, too, the same balm-like emotion spoke: Try to eat. Charlotte Bronte. Jane Eyre.
- There must be something, too, in its dews which heals with sovereign balm. Charlotte Bronte. Shirley.
- Had I had the means, I would have risked all, have torn her by force from the murderer's den, and trusted to the healing balm of reason and affection. Mary Shelley. The Last Man.
- You have poured balm into my anxious soul. Charles Dickens. Hard Times.
- No, she added, in a softer tone; God mingles something of the balm of mercy even in vials of the most corrosive woe. Charlotte Bronte. Shirley.
- The birds were singing their last strains-- The air was mild, the dew was balm. Charlotte Bronte. Jane Eyre.
- The hard, bitter look came back again as he said that, and it troubled Amy, for she did not know what balm to apply. Louisa May Alcott. Little Women.
- Sleep, the sovereign balm, at length steeped her tearful eyes in forgetfulness. Mary Shelley. The Last Man.
- I am weary of the world, tired of this aimless existence, but to thee will I fly to seek solace in thine healing balMs Maurice! Fergus Hume. The Island of Fantasy.
Checker: Marty