'balsamous' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'balsamum', where the earlier Greek 'balsamon' and the Semitic root 'bšm' meant 'perfume' or 'spice'.

'balsamous' changed from Latin 'balsamum' to Old French/Middle English 'balsam' and eventually became the English adjective formed with the suffix '-ous' as 'balsamous'.

Initially, the root referred to the resin or balm itself; over time it evolved into an adjective meaning 'having balm-like qualities; soothing or aromatic'.