benzoin Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun gum resin used especially in treating skin irritation
    gum benzoin; benjamin; gum benjamin; asa dulcis.
  2. noun used in some classifications for the American spicebush and certain other plants often included in the genus Lindera
    genus Benzoin.

WordNet

Ben*zoin" noun
Etymology
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.
Definitions
  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).

Webster 1913