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any of various fragrant exudations from certain trees, especially trees of the genus Commiphora, as balm-of-Gilead.
Compare balm (def 1).
the similar products yielded by the leguminous trees Myroxylon pereirae and M. balsamum, of South America.
Compare Peru balsam, tolu.
oleoresin (def 1).
any of certain transparent turpentines, as Canada balsam.
a plant or tree yielding a balsam.
balsam fir.
any of several plants belonging to the genus Impatiens, as I. balsamina, a common garden annual.
Compare balsam family.
any aromatic ointment for ceremonial or medicinal use.
any agency that heals, soothes, or restores:
the balsam of understanding and appreciation.
Contemporary Examples

But the manager says turnover is high and that he sells out of even such pricey items as Pringles, Nescafe, and balsamic vinegar.
Life After the Bombs Judith Miller October 15, 2009

Gaby Dalkin takes out her high-end olive oil and blends it with balsamic vinegar to pour over caprese salad.
The Secrets to Buying Olive Oil Jill Donenfeld November 30, 2009

Now drizzle in the balsamic vinegar and slap your chicken around the bowl.
How to Cook ‘Ghetto Gourmet’ The Daily Beast December 7, 2009

Historical Examples

You move in one continual garden—in an atmosphere of balsamic fragrance.
Wanderings in Corsica, Vol. 1 of 2 Ferdinand Gregorovius

One of the best remedies for wounds or bruises is the balsamic or anti-putrid vinegar, which is made in the following manner.
The Cook and Housekeeper’s Complete and Universal Dictionary; Including a System of Modern Cookery, in all Its Various Branches, Mary Eaton

They are all charged with only a balsamic, sugary acid, which is called Reinette-flavored.
American Pomology J. A. Warder

“A balsamic taste, slightly piquant but agreeable,” he observed.
The Strollers Frederic S. Isham

I frequently used to visit the plantations of nutmegs and cloves, and refresh myself with their balsamic fragrance.
A Woman’s Journey Round the World Ida Pfeiffer

A wind came out of the North, cool and sweet and balsamic with 382 hope.
The Prairie Child Arthur Stringer

All that we touch turns into balsamic fruits, into soft and lovely breasts, ripe food for our desire.
Main Currents in Nineteenth Century Literature, Vol. II (of 6): The Romantic School in Germany Georg Brandes

noun
any of various fragrant oleoresins, such as balm or tolu, obtained from any of several trees and shrubs and used as a base for medicines and perfumes
any of various similar substances used as medicinal or ceremonial ointments
any of certain aromatic resinous turpentines See also Canada balsam
any plant yielding balsam
Also called busy Lizzie. any of several balsaminaceous plants of the genus Impatiens, esp I. balsamina, cultivated for its brightly coloured flowers
anything healing or soothing
adj.

c.1600, from balsam + -ic.
n.

1570s, “aromatic resin used for healing wounds and soothing pains,” from Latin balsamum “gum of the balsam tree” (see balm). There is an isolated Old English reference from c.1000, and Middle English used basme, baume, from the French form of the word. As a type of flowering plant of the Impatiens family, it is attested from 1741.
balsam
(bôl’səm)
Any of several aromatic resins that flow from certain plants and that contain considerable amounts of benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, or both, or their esters. Balsams are used in perfumes and medicines.