Where does “Balsam” come from?
Balsam (German) comes from Latin balsamum, from Ancient Greek βάλσαμον, from Hebrew בושם, from Proto-Semitic *buśm-.
Balsam (German): balsam, balm; ointment
Definitions
- balsam, balm; ointment
Ancestry of “Balsam”, step by step
Balsam traces back through two separate lines of ancestry.
via Latin balsamum
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Latin | balsamum | balsam (substance or tree); balm |
| 2 | Ancient Greek | βάλσαμον | Arabian balsam tree; balsam, the fragrant oil... |
| 3 | Hebrew | בושם | perfume |
| 4 | Proto-Semitic | *buśm- | — |
via Middle High German balsam
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Middle High German | balsam | — |