storax

(stôr′aks)

noun

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

Origin: 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

See storax in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

See snowbell.
An aromatic resin obtained from the snowbell. Also called styrax.
A brownish aromatic resin used in perfume and medicine and obtained from any of several trees of the genus Liquidambar, especially L. orientalis, of Turkey. Also called styrax.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Latin

Origin: , alteration of styrax

Origin: , from Greek sturax

Origin: , perhaps of Semitic origin; see ṣ́rw in Semitic roots

link/cite print suggestion box