DCHP-1 Online

balsam (fir) † 

• 1 n. a slender evergreen, Abies balsamea, found in Canada from northeastern Alberta eastward, the source of Canada balsam (def. 1).

  See also: Canada balsam  sapin  silver fir (def. 1)  silver pine  var  

• 2 n. the wood of this tree.

• 3 n. the clear resin of the balsam fir, much used as a cement in optical work, formerly used widely as a balm on cuts and minor wounds, and once popular as a chewing gum.

• 4 n. a fir tree, Abies amabilis, of the Pacific Coast.

  See also: silver fir (def. 2)