Hypertext Webster Gateway: "benzoin"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Benzoin \Ben*zoin"\ (b[e^]n*zoin"), n. [Cf. F. benjoin, Sp.
benjui, Pg. beijoin; all fr. Ar. lub[=a]n-j[=a]w[=i] 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.) The spicebush ({Lindera benzoin}).
{Flowers of benzoin}, benzoic acid. See under {Benzoic}.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
benzoin
n 1: gum resin used especially in treating skin irritation [syn:
{gum benzoin}, {benjamin}, {gum benjamin}, {asa dulcis}]
2: used in some classifications for the American spicebush and
certain other plants often included in the genus Lindera
[syn: {Benzoin}, {genus Benzoin}]
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