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storax definition

sto·rax (stôraks)

noun

  1. the aromatic balsam exuded by liquidambar trees, used in medicine and perfumery
  2. a fragrant, solid resin obtained from a small, E Mediterranean tree (Styrax officinalis) of the storax family, formerly used as incense
  3. any of a genus (Styrax) of chiefly tropical trees and shrubs of the storax family, with drooping clusters of showy white flowers

Etymology: ME < L storax, styrax < Gr styrax, of Sem orig., as in Heb tsori, terebinth resin

adjective

designating a family (Styracaceae, order Ebenales) of widely distributed dicotyledonous trees or shrubs, as the snowbell

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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