'balsamaceous' originates from English formation combining 'balsam' (from Late Latin 'balsamum') and the adjectival suffix '-aceous' (from Latin '-aceus'), where the suffix meant 'pertaining to or having the nature of'.

'balsam' changed from Late Latin 'balsamum', itself from Greek 'balsamon', ultimately from a Semitic source such as Hebrew 'besem' meaning 'spice' or 'perfume', and the modern English 'balsam' developed through these forms into the word used in English; English then formed 'balsamaceous' by adding the suffix '-aceous'.

Initially it referred specifically to things of or derived from 'balsam' (a fragrant resin), and over time it has retained that sense, meaning 'having the resinous or balsam-like aroma or quality'.