balsam
balsam — noun
- balsamsingular
- balsamsplural
1. a thick, fragrant substance that flows from the bark or stems of particular tree
a thick, fragrant substance that flows from the bark or stems of particular trees and is used in perfumes, medicines, and skincare products
Sofie rubbed a small amount of balsam balm onto her dry, cracked hands every night.
collocation: balsam balm
The forest guide showed the group how the balsam is collected from the fir trees by cutting the bark.
passive voice: balsam is collected
Ari bought a candle with balsam scent for his grandmother, who loved the smell of pine forests.
This natural balsam adds a warm, woody fragrance to homemade soaps and skin creams.
Some modern cough syrups still contain balsam extracted from the South American tolu tree.
文法句型
balsam (uncountable): 'This soap contains balsam.'
a balsam (countable, type): 'a balsam used in traditional medicine.'
balsam + noun (compound): 'balsam fir', 'balsam oil'
用法筆記
Often used as a compound modifier before a noun (balsam fir, balsam oil, balsam vinegar). Do not confuse with balm, which is a broader term that can refer to any soothing ointment regardless of ingredients.
常見錯誤
2. something that brings comfort or relief to the mind or body during a difficult o
something that brings comfort or relief to the mind or body during a difficult or stressful time
For Yael, the quiet mornings by the lake were a true balsam to her worried mind.
pattern: a balsam to [someone's] mind
The old family photographs offered a gentle balsam to Liam after his loss.
Music became a powerful balsam for Hao during the long months of hospital recovery.
Zuri found that writing in her journal each evening served as a balsam for daily stress.
The warm welcome from the neighbours was a balsam to the newly arrived immigrant family.
- distress
the opposite of comfort or relief
- irritation
cause of annoyance rather than soothing
文法句型
a balsam + to + noun phrase: 'a balsam to the soul'
a balsam + for + noun phrase: 'a balsam for her worried heart'
serve as a balsam: 'The music served as a balsam for his stress.'
用法筆記
This sense is primarily figurative and appears in literary or formal writing. Subject is typically a calming experience, a kind gesture, or a sensory pleasure. Often followed by 'to' (a balsam to the spirit) or 'for' (a balsam for troubled times).
常見錯誤
3. a tree or plant that produces a fragrant resin, or a garden flower (such as Impa
a tree or plant that produces a fragrant resin, or a garden flower (such as Impatiens) that is commonly called balsam
The balsam fir is a popular Christmas tree because of its strong, pleasant smell and soft needles.
compound noun: balsam fir
Salma planted balsam seeds along the fence and watched them bloom with bright pink flowers.
Hikers in the Rockies can identify the balsam poplar by its sticky, resin-covered leaf buds.
The balsam plant grows well in shady garden spots and produces flowers throughout the summer.
Constanza learned that the balsam flower comes in shades of pink, red, and white.
文法句型
the balsam (plant species): 'The balsam grows in northern forests.'
balsam + noun (compound species name): 'balsam fir', 'balsam poplar'
a balsam (countable, a plant): 'She planted balsams along the fence.'
用法筆記
As a botanical term, 'balsam' can refer to two different groups: (1) trees that yield balsam resin, such as the balsam fir (Abies balsamea) and balsam poplar, and (2) flowering garden plants in the genus Impatiens, also called touch-me-nots or jewelweed.