benzoin

views updated May 29 2018

ben·zo·in / ˈbenzəwin; ˈbenˌzoin/ • n. 1. (also gum benzoin) a fragrant gum resin obtained from a tropical eastern Asian tree (genus Styrax, family Styracaceae), used in medicines, perfumes, and incense. Also called gum benjamin. 2. Chem. a white crystalline aromatic ketone, C6H5CHOHCOC6H5, present in this resin.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

benzoin

views updated May 18 2018

benzoin resin obtained from tree of genus Styrax XVI; a constituent of this; genus of trees (including Benjamin tree) XIX. ult. (through F., etc.) — Arab. lubān-jāwī ‘frankincense of Java’.
Hence benzoic acid. XVIII.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

benzoin

views updated Jun 11 2018

benzoin Fragrant, resinous polymer, once obtained from the balsam resin found in the trees of the genus Styrax in tropical se Asia, now made synthetically. It is used in perfumes and decongestant cough linctus.

World Encyclopedia

benzoin

views updated Jun 08 2018

benzoin See STYRAX.

A Dictionary of Plant Sciences MICHAEL ALLABY

benzoin

views updated May 29 2018

benzoin (ben-zoh-in) n. a fragrant gum resin used as a constituent of friar's balsam.

A Dictionary of Nursing

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