balm of Gilead
- noun
- /bɑlm əv ˈɡɪliəd/
- US
:
bálsamo de Gilead
- The most distinctive feature of the landscape, however, was a large balm of Gilead tree in the middle of the front lawn, planted by Great-Grandfather Sinclair.
- balm of Gilead tree
Examples
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Outside, the balm of Gilead tree swayed in a gentle wind.
Fiction book (1993) -
During the winter holidays, many families decorate their balm of Gilead trees with ornaments.
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And Daniel, you cannot do what you have in mind under a balm of Gilead tree.
Fiction book (1993) -
But he was no longer there beside the balm of Gilead tree.
Fiction book (1993) -
"Don't cut down that balm of Gilead tree," Aunt May called.
Fiction book (1993) -
Jada waited under the balm of Gilead tree.
Fiction book (1993) -
That overgrown balm of Gilead sends sprouts up all over the lawn.
Fiction book (1993) -
She danced for the ancient balm of Gilead tree outside, its heart-shaped leaves applauding against the windowpanes.
Fiction book (1993) -
Will you, Jada of the exquisite name," Starr asked, p61 as the music faded, "meet me tomorrow night under the old balm of Gilead tree?
Fiction book (1993) -
The balm of Gilead tree in our garden provides a lovely scent during the summer.
Synonyms
1
4.9
A medium tree that stays green all year and has a fresh smell, often used as a Christmas tree
A medium-sized fir tree from northeastern North America with fragrant needles often used as a Christmas tree
A medium fir tree from northeastern North America used for Christmas trees and paper
Surface Forms
Morphology
balm + of + Gilead
Because 'balm' denotes a soothing medicinal substance, a learner who knows 'balm' and recognizes 'Gilead' as a place can plausibly infer a literal soothing ointment and analogically arrive at 'something that brings comfort'. However, the extended, conventionalized figurative meaning depends on biblical/cultural knowledge of 'Gilead' and idiomatic usage, so the full sense is not fully predictable for a B1 learner without exposure.
Etymology
Balm of Gilead can also mean a medium-sized fir tree whose crushed needles give a strong balsam scent. Because the tree is fragrant and useful, people cut it for pulpwood and for use as Christmas trees.