a gum resin containing benzoic acid, obtained from various trees of the genus Styrax, esp S. benzoin of Java and Sumatra, and used in ointments, perfume, etc
2.
a white or yellowish crystalline compound with a camphor-like odour used as an antiseptic and flavouring; 2-hydroxy-2-phenylacetophenone. Formula: C6H5CHOHCOC6H5
3.
any lauraceous aromatic shrub or tree of the genus Lindera, esp L. benzoin (spicebush)
Word origin
C16: from French benjoin, from Old Catalan benjui, from Arabic lubān jāwī, literally: frankincense of Java
benzoin in American English
(ˈbɛnzoʊˌɪn; bɛnˈzoʊɪn; ˈbɛnˌzɔɪn)
noun
1.
a balsamic resin obtained from certain tropical Asiatic trees (genus Styrax of the storax family) and used in medicine and perfumery and as incense
2.
any of a genus (Lindera) of aromatic plants of the laurel family; esp., the spicebush of E North America
3. Chemistry
a white, crystalline substance, C6H5CHOHCOC6H5, used in making antiseptic ointments and in respiration inhalants
Word origin
Fr benjoin < It benzoino < Ar lubān jāwī, incense of Java: lu- dropped because falsely assumed to be the article