balm of Gilead
noun phrase
balm of Gil·e·ad
-ˈgi-lē-əd 
1
: an agency that soothes, relieves, or heals
2
: a small evergreen African and Asian tree (Commiphora gileadensis synonym C. opobalsamum of the family Burseraceae) with aromatic leaves
also
: a fragrant oleoresin from this tree
3
: any of several poplars having resinous buds: such as
a
: a hybrid North American tree (Populus jackii) with broadly cordate leaves that are pubescent especially on the underside
b
Examples of balm of Gilead in a Sentence
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For 14 years, scientists have been growing a tree akin to the Judean balsam — the source of the balm of Gilead — but with no modern counterpart.
—
Franz Lidz, New York Times, 22 Dec. 2024
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Franz Lidz, New York Times, 22 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Balm of Gilead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/balm%20of%20Gilead. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
balm of Gilead
balm of Gil·e·ad
-ˈgil-ē-əd
1
: a small African and Asian tree with fragrant evergreen leaves
also
: its fragrant oily resin
2
: any of several poplars (as balsam poplar) having buds that are full of resin
Medical Definition
balm of Gilead
noun
balm of Gil·e·ad
-ˈgil-ē-əd
1
: a small evergreen African and Asian tree (Commiphora meccanensis of the family Burseraceae) with aromatic leaves
2
: a fragrant oleoresin from the balm of Gilead
called also Mecca balsam
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