'balsamodendron' originates from New Latin, formed from Greek elements 'balsamon' (via Latin 'balsamum' from Semitic origins) and Greek 'dendron', where 'dendron' meant 'tree'.

'balsamodendron' was coined in New Latin botanical usage (19th century) from Greek components; the Greek/Latin element 'balsamon' itself derives ultimately from Semitic words for aromatic resin (for example Arabic 'balsam'), and the combination produced the genus name used in botanical literature.

Initially, it meant 'balsam-tree' (a tree producing balsam), and over time it has remained a technical botanical name applied to such resin-producing trees; usage has become relatively rare or treated as historical/synonymic in some modern classifications.