n Any of various aromatic resins exuded from certain plants, especially trees of the genus Commiphora of Africa, Arabia and India and Myroxylon of South America.
n A plant or tree yielding such substance.
n Any soothing oil or lotion, especially an aromatic one.
n (figuratively) Something soothing.
n The lemon balm, Melissa officinalis
n Any of a number of other aromatic herbs with a similar citrus-like scent, such as bee balm and horse balm.
v (transitive, archaic) To anoint with balm, or with anything medicinal.
v (transitive, figuratively) To soothe; to mitigate.