balm-of-Gilead
[
bahm
-
uh
v-
gil
-ee-
uh
d]
/ˈbɑm əvˈgɪl i əd/
noun
1.
any of several plants of the genus
Commiphora,
especially
C. opobalsamum
and
C. meccanensis,
which yield a fragrant oleoresin.
2.
Also called
Mecca balsam
. the resin itself, a turbid yellow, green, or brownish-red water-insoluble gluey liquid, used chiefly in perfumery.
3.
a hybrid North American poplar,
Populus gileadensis,
cultivated as a shade tree.
Origin
1695-1705