| 释义 |
balm
I. \ˈbä]m, ˈbȧ] also ]lm; sporadic & archaic ˈbam\ noun
(-s)
Etymology: Middle English baume, basme, from Old French basme, from Latin balsamum balsam, from Greek balsamon, probably of Semitic origin; akin to Hebrew bāśām spice, balsam
1. : any of several balsamic resins; especially : the resinous and aromatic exudation from trees of the genus Commiphora
2. : an aromatic preparation: as
a. : a healing ointment
< his hands were covered with blisters … doctored with some smelly iodine balm — Vicki Baum >
b. obsolete : an oil or ointment for anointing
3. : any of various aromatic plants: as
a. : a plant of the genus Melissa; especially : lemon balm
b. : a plant of the genus Monarda; especially : oswego tea
4. : a spicy odor : an agreeably pungent or aromatic redolence
< the white lilies in the garden, the herb bed near the bees — everything sent out fragrance and balm into the soft air — Agnes S. Turnbull >
5. : a soothing restorative agency : something that brings comfort and relieves pain
< bound up her wound … with the balm of understanding — Josephine Pinckney >
< friendship is … the finest balm for the pangs of disappointed love — Jane Austen >
6. : a sticky resinous substance used by honey bees to varnish the inside of certain cells in the hive before eggs are laid in them — compare propolis
II. transitive verb
(-ed/-ing/-s)
Etymology: Middle English baumen, from baume, n.
1. obsolete : to anoint especially with balm
2. : soothe, alleviate
< balm one's injured feelings > |