Library / English Dictionary

BALM

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (noun) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

Semisolid preparation (usually containing a medicine) applied externally as a remedy or for soothing an irritation

Synonyms:

balm; ointment; salve; unction; unguent

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Hypernyms ("balm" is a kind of...):

curative; cure; remedy; therapeutic (a medicine or therapy that cures disease or relieve pain)

Meronyms (substance of "balm"):

lanolin; wool fat; wool grease (a yellow viscous animal oil extracted from wool; a mixture of fatty acids and esters; used in some ointments and cosmetics)

Domain category:

medical specialty; medicine (the branches of medical science that deal with nonsurgical techniques)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "balm"):

arnica (an ointment used in treating bruises)

baby oil (an ointment for babies)

balsam (an ointment containing a fragrant resin)

carron oil (an ointment formerly used to treat burns)

cerate (a hard medicated paste made of lard or oil mixed with wax or resin)

chrism; chrisom; holy oil; sacramental oil (a consecrated ointment consisting of a mixture of oil and balsam)

lip balm (a balm applied to the lips)

mentholated salve (a salve containing menthol)

mercurial ointment (an ointment containing mercury)

zinc ointment (an ointment containing zinc that is used to treat certain skin diseases)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Any of various aromatic resinous substances used for healing and soothing

Classified under:

Nouns denoting substances

Hypernyms ("balm" is a kind of...):

balsam (any of various fragrant oleoresins used in medicines and perfumes)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "balm"):

balm of Gilead (a fragrant oleoresin)

Derivation:

balmy (mild and pleasant)

Credits

 Context examples: 

It had been successful, for at three-and-twenty, blighted affections find a balm in friendly society, and young nerves will thrill, young blood dance, and healthy young spirits rise, when subjected to the enchantment of beauty, light, music, and motion.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)