Plural of balsam; aromatic resins obtained from certain trees and shrubs, used in perfumes, medicines, and varnishes.
From Latin balsamum, derived from Arabic balsan or Hebrew basam. The term refers to fragrant resinous substances secreted by tropical trees, valued since ancient times.
Balsams literally shaped global trade—Venice became rich controlling the balsam routes from the Middle East, and explorers crossed oceans partly seeking these aromatic substances worth their weight in gold.
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