noun
balm
A fragrant herb, especially lemon balm.
She crushes a leaf of lemon balm between her fingers.
Etymology
Greek balsamon named a fragrant resin. The plant name transfers that association with fragrance to aromatic herbs, especially the pleasantly scented plant known as lemon balm.
More examples
- The herb bed contains mint, thyme, and lemon balm.
- A sprig of balm gave the drink a fresh scent.
- Several fragrant balms grew along the garden path.
Forms
balm · balms
Similar words
- lemon balm
- Specifically names the familiar lemon-scented herb.
- mint
- Names a related group with a different characteristic scent.