French word

baume

Pronunciation

IPA/bom/

Meaning

  • masculine nounointment

Example

Elle a mis du baume sur sa brûlure.

She put ointment on her burn.

Illustration for baume (ointment)

More examples

Il a mis un baume apaisant sur la piqûre d'insecte.

He put a soothing balm on the insect bite.

Core concept

An oily medicinal substance placed on damaged skin to calm irritation while forming a protective covering.

Common phrases

  • mettre du baume

    put on balm

  • appliquer du baume

    put on balm

  • baume à lèvres

    lip balm

Similar words

pommade: An oil-based topical medicine applied to ease skin inflammation or dryness.
crème: A moisturizing topical preparation applied to hydrate the skin.

Definition in French

Substance semi-liquide, généralement grasse, appliquée sur la peau pour protéger ou soigner une blessure ou une irritation.

Word origin

Baume entered French through Latin balsamum from Greek balsamon, which referred to an aromatic balm or medicinal resin.

Usage tips

  • Baume also occurs figuratively in apporter du baume au cœur, meaning to bring comfort or encouragement.

Other meanings

  • balmnoun

Word lists with this word