Balm
/bɑːm/
nounBeginner📊CommonSubstance
1 meaning1 question
Definitions
1
A fragrant, oily substance used to soothe or heal wounds or skin irritations.
/bɑːm/
nounpositiveBeginner
Substance
A soothing substance
The lip balm helped soothe my chapped lips.
💡 Simply: Something that makes you feel better.
More Examples
2
The balm eased the pain of the sunburn.
How It's Used
Medical
"The nurse applied a soothing balm to the burn."
Literary
"The music was a balm to his troubled soul."
From Old English *bealm, from Proto-Germanic *balmaz, related to Old High German *balm 'balsam'. Ultimately of uncertain origin, possibly related to words meaning 'to soothe' or 'to heal'.
Historically, 'balm' often referred to specific aromatic resins used in religious ceremonies and medicine.
Memory tip
Think of it like a comforting hug for your skin.
Word Origin
LanguageOld English
Original meaning
"a soothing substance"
soothing balmhealing balmfragrant balm
Common misspellings
balm
Practice
Usage
20%Spoken
80%Written