BENZOIN

Benzoin, genus Benzoin

(noun) used in some classifications for the American spicebush and certain other plants often included in the genus Lindera

benzoin, gum benzoin, benjamin, gum benjamin, asa dulcis

(noun) gum resin used especially in treating skin irritation

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

benzoin (countable and uncountable, plural benzoins)

A resinous substance, dry and brittle, obtained from the Styrax benzoin, a tree of Sumatra, Java, etc, having a fragrant odor, and slightly aromatic taste. It is used in the preparation of benzoic acid, in medicine, and as a perfume. [from 16th c.]

(organic compound) An aromatic hydroxy ketone, 2-hydroxy-1,2-di(phenyl)ethanone, synthesized from benzaldehyde; any derivative of this compound. [from 19th c.]

The spicebush, Lindera benzoin. [from 19th c.]

Anagrams

• Benzion

Source: Wiktionary

Ben*zoin", n. Etym: [Cf. F. benjoin, Sp. benjui, Pg. beijoin; all fr. Ar. luban-jawi incense form Sumatra (named Java in Arabic), the first syllable being lost. Cf. Benjamin.]

Note: [Called also benjamin.]

1. A resinous substance, dry and brittle, obtained from the Styrax benzoin, a tree of Sumatra, Java, etc., having a fragrant odor, and slightly aromatic taste. It is used in the preparation of benzoic acid, in medicine, and as a perfume.

2. A white crystalline substance, C14H12O2, obtained from benzoic aldehyde and some other sources.

3. (Bot.)

Definition: The spicebush (Lindera benzoin). Flowers of benzoin, benzoic acid. See under Benzoic.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition