noun
balsam
A fir or similar fragrant evergreen tree.
A fragrant balsam stands beside the cabin's snow-covered entrance.
Etymology
Greek balsamon named an aromatic resin or a plant producing it. Balsam extends that material name to fragrant trees, including firs associated with aromatic resin.
More examples
- The woods contain spruce and balsam.
- Several young balsams grow beneath the taller evergreens.
- The scent of balsam filled the room after the branches were brought inside.
Forms
balsam · balsams
Similar words
- fir
- Names the broader conifer group that includes balsam fir.
- evergreen
- Describes trees retaining foliage without identifying a particular kind.