benzoin

(ben′zō in′, ben zō′in; ben′zo̵in′)

noun

a balsamic resin obtained from certain tropical Asiatic trees (genus Styrax of the storax family) and used in medicine and perfumery and as incense
any of a genus (Lindera) of aromatic plants of the laurel family; esp., the spicebush of E North America
Chem. a white, crystalline substance, CHCHOHCOCH, used in making antiseptic ointments and in respiration inhalants

Origin: Fr benjoin < It benzoino < Ar lubān jāwī, incense of Java: lu- dropped because falsely assumed to be the article

See benzoin in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A balsamic resin obtained from certain tropical Asian trees of the genus Styrax and used in perfumery and medicine. Also called benjamin, gum benjamin, gum benzoin.
A white or yellowish crystalline compound, C₁₄H₁₂O₂, derived from benzaldehyde.

Origin:

Origin: Earlier benjoin

Origin: , from French benjoin

Origin: and Italian benzoino

Origin: , both from Arabic lubān jāwī, frankincense of Java; see lbn in Semitic roots

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