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Balsa vs. Balsam — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 24, 2023
Balsa" refers to a lightweight wood from tropical trees, while "Balsam" is an aromatic resin from certain trees or plants.
Balsa vs. Balsam — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Balsa and Balsam

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Key Differences

"Balsa" is commonly known as the lightest wood in the world, derived from a fast-growing tropical tree. These trees, found mainly in Central and South America, provide wood that is incredibly lightweight, making it desirable for various applications. In contrast, "Balsam" does not pertain to the wood of a tree. Instead, it refers to the aromatic resin obtained from certain trees and plants. This resin often carries medicinal or therapeutic properties.
"Balsa" wood, due to its light weight, has been utilized extensively in industries requiring lightweight materials. Think of model airplanes or even some life rafts; "Balsa" is often the wood of choice. "Balsam", on the other hand, finds its value in its aromatic and sometimes viscous substance, making it a component in many fragrances, medicines, and even some cosmetics.
When you think of "Balsa", visualize the wooden structures of tiny model aircraft or even the core of some surfboards. This wood, despite its light weight, offers commendable strength. "Balsam" takes you into the realm of scents and balms. It’s what gives certain perfumes their distinct aroma or balms their soothing capabilities.
While both "Balsa" and "Balsam" stem from the botanical world, their utilities are distinct. "Balsa" serves primarily in manufacturing and craft due to its physical properties, while "Balsam", with its aromatic essence, delves into the therapeutic and fragrant sectors.

Comparison Chart

Origin

Tropical trees.
Resin from certain trees or plants.
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Common Uses

Model airplanes, rafts, surfboards.
Fragrances, medicines, cosmetics.

Nature

Lightweight wood.
Aromatic resin.

Physical Properties

Light yet strong.
Viscous, often with a pleasant smell.

Part of Speech

Noun.
Noun.

Compare with Definitions

Balsa

Wood commonly used in crafts and modeling.
He chose balsa for its easy workability.

Balsam

A substance used in perfumes and cosmetics.
The perfume had notes of balsam and vanilla.

Balsa

Wood from fast-growing tropical trees.
Balsa trees can reach maturity in a few years.

Balsam

An aromatic resin from certain trees.
The scent of balsam filled the room.

Balsa

A material used in some surfboard cores.
The surfboard had a balsa core for added buoyancy.

Balsam

A tree from which this resin is obtained.
The balsam tree stood tall in the forest.

Balsa

A lightweight tropical wood.
The model airplane was made of balsa.

Balsam

A type of therapeutic salve.
She applied the balsam to her dry skin.

Balsa

A wood known for its buoyancy.
Balsa rafts were once common for river crossings.

Balsam

Often associated with soothing properties.
The balsam ointment provided relief from the itch.

Balsa

A tropical American tree (Ochroma pyramidale) having soft wood that is very light in weight and is used as a substitute for cork in insulation, floats, and crafts such as model airplanes.

Balsam

Balsam is the resinous exudate (or sap) which forms on certain kinds of trees and shrubs. Balsam (from Latin balsamum "gum of the balsam tree", ultimately from Semitic, Aramaic busma, Arabic balsam and Hebrew basam, "spice", "perfume") owes its name to the biblical Balm of Gilead.

Balsa

The wood of this tree. Also called corkwood.

Balsam

Any of several aromatic resins, such as balsam of Peru and balsam of Tolu, that contain considerable amounts of benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, or both, or their esters.

Balsa

A raft consisting of a frame fastened to buoyant cylinders of wood or metal.

Balsam

Any of several other fragrant plant resins, such as Canada balsam.

Balsa

A large tree, Ochroma pyramidale, native to tropical America, with wood that is very light in weight.

Balsam

A similar substance, especially a fragrant ointment used as medication; a balm.

Balsa

(uncountable) The wood of this tree.

Balsam

Any of various trees, especially the balsam fir, yielding an aromatic resinous substance.

Balsa

A raft or float, used principally on the Pacific coast of South America.

Balsam

See impatiens.

Balsa

A raft or float, used principally on the Pacific coast of South America.

Balsam

A sweet-smelling oil or resin derived from various plants.

Balsa

Strong lightweight wood of the balsa tree used especially for floats

Balsam

A plant or tree yielding such substance.

Balsa

Forest tree of lowland Central America having a strong very light wood; used for making floats and rafts and in crafts

Balsam

A soothing ointment.

Balsam

Something soothing.
Classical music is a sweet balsam for our sorrows

Balsam

A flowering plant of the genus Impatiens.

Balsam

The balsam family of flowering plants (Balsaminaceae), which includes Impatiens and Hydrocera.

Balsam

A balsam fir Abies balsamea.

Balsam

Canada balsam, a turpentine obtained from the resin of balsam fir.

Balsam

(transitive) To treat or anoint with balsam.

Balsam

A resin containing more or less of an essential or volatile oil.

Balsam

A species of tree (Abies balsamea).

Balsam

Anything that heals, soothes, or restores.
Was not the people's blessing a balsam to thy blood?

Balsam

To treat or anoint with balsam; to relieve, as with balsam; to render balsamic.

Balsam

Any seed plant yielding balsam

Balsam

Any of various fragrant oleoresins used in medicines and perfumes

Balsam

A fragrant ointment containing a balsam resin

Common Curiosities

Are balsam's therapeutic properties scientifically proven?

Balsam has been traditionally used for its soothing properties, but individual benefits can vary.

Can balsa wood float?

Yes, due to its light weight and buoyancy, balsa wood can float.

Is balsa the lightest wood in the world?

Yes, balsa is often considered the world's lightest wood.

How fast does a balsa tree grow?

Balsa trees grow rapidly, often reaching maturity in just a few years.

Is balsam only obtained from trees?

Balsam is primarily derived from trees, but some plants also produce balsam-like resins.

What are common uses for balsa wood?

Balsa is commonly used in model airplanes, rafts, and surfboards.

Can balsam be used in perfumes?

Yes, balsam is commonly used in perfumes for its aromatic properties.

Is balsa wood strong despite its lightness?

Yes, balsa wood, despite being lightweight, possesses considerable strength.

Can I be allergic to balsam?

Yes, some individuals may have allergic reactions to balsam.

Is balsam used in cooking?

Balsam is generally not used in cooking but is used for its fragrance and therapeutic properties.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

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