Pronunciation: [bˈɔːm] (IPA) 
The word "Baume" is typically spelled with a silent "e" at the end, making the final syllable sound like "-m". Its IPA transcription is /bo.m/. This word is a French term that is commonly used in the context of perfumery and cosmetic products. It refers to a solution made of alcohol and aromatic oils. Correctly spelling "Baume" is important for accurate communication within the industry and for brand consistency.
Baume, or °Bé, is a unit of measurement used to express the density or specific gravity of various solutions. It is commonly employed in the fields of chemistry, pharmacology, and winemaking. The term "Baume" was named after the French chemist Antoine Baume, who introduced this method of measuring the density of liquids.
The Baume scale is divided into two variants: one for liquids heavier than water and another for liquids lighter than water. The Baume scale used for heavy liquids ranges from 0° to 70°Bé, while the scale for lighter liquids ranges from 0° to 50°Bé.
In the Baume scale for heavy liquids, the degree indicates the number of grams of solute per 100 milliliters of solution. A higher °Bé value indicates a higher density or concentration of the solute in the solution. Conversely, on the Baume scale for light liquids, a higher value indicates a lower density or concentration of the solute in the solution.
Baume is often used to determine the sugar content in wine or grape juice, offering an estimate of the alcohol content that can be produced during fermentation. In the pharmaceutical industry, it is employed to measure the concentration of certain active ingredients in medications and to monitor the progress of reactions by measuring the density changes.
Overall, Baume serves as a practical and simple means of measuring density or specific gravity, providing valuable information in various scientific and industrial applications.
The word "Baume" comes from the Old French term "baume", which in turn originated from the Latin word "balsamum". Both "baume" and "balsamum" ultimately derive from the Greek term "balsamon". "Balsamon" was a precious aromatic resin, often referred to as "balm", which had medicinal and perfumery uses. Over time, the word transformed and narrowed its meaning to refer specifically to "Balsam of Mecca", an aromatic resinous substance obtained from trees in the region of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Eventually, "baume" became associated with various medicinal or aromatic substances, particularly those used for soothing or healing purposes.
