CANADA BALSAM Meaning and
Definition
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Canada balsam, also known as Canada turpentine, is a transparent, sticky resin derived from several North American conifer trees, primarily the balsam fir (Abies balsamea). It is a natural oleoresin that exudes from the bark when the trees are wounded. This resin is highly valued for its versatile properties and has been used for various purposes for centuries.
In its raw form, Canada balsam is a thick, pale yellow to amber-colored liquid with a distinctive aromatic scent. It has a high refractive index, making it ideal for optical applications such as lens cementing and microscopy. Due to its clarity and ability to fill microscopic irregularities, it is commonly used as an adhesive for bonding glass objects, particularly in light microscopy.
Apart from its optical uses, Canada balsam has also found applications in the production of oil paints, varnishes, and as an ingredient in perfumes and soaps. In the field of medicine, it has been used in the preparation of ointments and salves for its antiseptic properties and is believed to possess healing qualities.
The demand for Canada balsam has significantly decreased over time due to the availability of synthetic alternatives. However, its unique properties and historical significance make it highly regarded in specific industries, especially those involving optical and historical preservation applications.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CANADA BALSAM
- xanada balsam
- vanada balsam
- fanada balsam
- danada balsam
- cznada balsam
- csnada balsam
- cwnada balsam
- cqnada balsam
- cabada balsam
- camada balsam
- cajada balsam
- cahada balsam
- canzda balsam
- cansda balsam
- canwda balsam
- canqda balsam
- canasa balsam
- canaxa balsam
- canaca balsam
Etymology of CANADA BALSAM
The word "Canada Balsam" comes from the combination of two separate components: "Canada" and "Balsam".
The term "Canada" refers to the country, Canada. The country got its name from the St. Lawrence Iroquoian word "kanata", meaning "village" or "settlement". When French explorer Jacques Cartier arrived in present-day Quebec in the early 16th century, the local inhabitants pointed to the area and used the term "kanata" to refer to their village. Cartier mistakenly thought that "kanata" was the name of the entire region and began using it to refer to the land. Eventually, "Canada" became the name for the whole territory.
The term "Balsam" has its roots in the Latin word "balsamum", which derived from the Greek word "bálsamon".
Similar spelling words for CANADA BALSAM
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