Balsamiferous

/ˌbɔːlsəˈmɪfərəs/ adjective

Definition

Bearing or producing balsam; yielding balsam as a natural product.

Etymology

From Latin 'balsam-' plus the suffix '-iferous' (meaning 'bearing' or 'producing,' from 'ferre' meaning 'to carry'). This botanical term precisely describes plants that generate balsam.

Kelly Says

The suffix '-iferous' appears in other compound words like 'pestiferous' (producing pests) and 'carboniferous' (producing coal)—it's a precise way to say a plant is a factory for a particular substance.

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