Definition of "balm" in English

noun

1. 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.

2. An aromatic preparation for embalming the dead.

3. A plant or tree yielding such substance.

4. Any soothing oil or lotion, especially an aromatic one.

5. (figuratively) Something soothing.

   • Classical music is a sweet balm for our sorrows.

6. The lemon balm, Melissa officinalis.

7. Any of a number of other aromatic herbs with a similar citrus-like scent, such as bee balm and horsebalm.

verb

1. (transitive, archaic) To anoint with balm, or with anything medicinal.

2. (transitive, figurative) To soothe; to mitigate.