balsamweed
|bal-sam-weed|
/ˈbɔːlsəmwiːd/
plant that yields or smells of balsam
Etymology
'balsamweed' is a compound of 'balsam' + 'weed'. 'balsam' originates from Latin 'balsamum', via Greek 'balsamon' and possibly Semitic sources, where the element referred to a fragrant resin; 'weed' originates from Old English 'wēod' meaning 'plant' or 'herb'.
'balsam' passed from Greek 'balsamon' into Latin as 'balsamum', entered Old French and Middle English as 'balsam', and combined with the Old English-derived 'weed' to form the compound 'balsamweed' in modern English usage.
Initially the element 'balsam' referred specifically to a fragrant resin; the compound originally meant 'a plant yielding balsam' but over time has been used more broadly for various aromatic plants with balsam-like qualities.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a common name for any of various aromatic plants that produce or smell of balsam (a fragrant resinous substance); used for several unrelated species in different regions.
The field was dotted with balsamweed in late summer.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/08 09:00