balm of Gilead

balm of Gil·e·ad  (gl-d, -d)

n.

1.

a. Any of several trees or shrubs of the genus Commiphora, especially C. opobalsamum, of Arabia and Somalia.

b. See myrrh.

2. A poplar tree of hybrid origin, with sticky, aromatic, resinous buds and heart-shaped leaves, cultivated as a shade tree.

3. A shrubby plant (Cedronella canariensis) in the mint family, native to Madeira and the Canary Islands, having a large, lilac-to-violet corolla with two lips.

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[After Gilead, known for its balm.]

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balm of Gilead

n

1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Plants) any of several trees of the burseraceous genus Commiphora, esp C. opobalsamum of Africa and W Asia, that yield a fragrant oily resin (see Compare myrrh [1]

2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Plants) the resin exuded by these trees

3. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Plants) a North American hybrid female poplar tree, Populus gileadensis (or

4. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Plants) a fragrant resin obtained from the balsam fir See also Canada balsam

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	balm of Gilead - medium-sized fir of northeastern North America; leaves smell of balsam when crushed; much used for pulpwood and Christmas trees Abies balsamea, balsam fir, Canada balsam silver fir - any of various true firs having leaves white or silvery white beneath
	2.	balm of Gilead - a fragrant oleoresin balm - any of various aromatic resinous substances used for healing and soothing
	3.	balm of gilead - small evergreen tree of Africa and Asia; leaves have a strong aromatic odor when bruised Commiphora meccanensis incense tree - any of various tropical trees of the family Burseraceae yielding fragrant gums or resins that are burned as incense Commiphora, genus Commiphora - genus of East Indian and African trees yielding balsamic products