Definition of balm

exculpate Definition: (verb) to free from blame or guilt. Petersons.com

Add Word of the Day to your personalized My Yahoo! page: About My Yahoo! and RSS »

Email this page to a friend

< ballyrag

balmacaan >

balm    (bäm) KEY  

NOUN:

1. 1. A chiefly Mediterranean perennial herb (Melissa officinalis) in the mint family, grown for its lemon-scented foliage, which is used as a seasoning or for tea. Also called lemon balm .
   2. Any of several related plants in the mint family, such as the bee balm and the horse balm.
2. Any of various aromatic resins exuded from several trees and shrubs, especially the balm of Gilead (Commiphora) and related plants.
3. An aromatic salve or oil.
4. A pleasing aromatic fragrance.
5. A soothing, healing, or comforting agent or quality.

---

ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English baume, balsam, from Old French basme, from Latin balsamum ; see balsam

Visit our partner's site

	Provided by Houghton Mifflin eReference -- Download this interactive reference software to your desktop computer

Search Dictionary:

More on Yahoo! Education

• Online and On-Campus Degree Programs     MBAs  -  Technology Management  -  Education  -  Health  -  More  • College & Grad School - A Comprehensive Guide     College Search  -  Test Prep  -  Application Tips  -  Scholarship Search