benzoin
1Also called gum ben·ja·min [guhm-ben-juh-muhn], /ˈgʌm ˈbɛn dʒə mən/, gum benzoin . a reddish-brown, aromatic balsamic resin occurring in almondlike fragments and having a vanillalike odor, obtained from trees of the genus Styrax, especially S. benzoin, of Java, Sumatra, etc.: used in the manufacture of perfume and cosmetics and in medicine internally as an expectorant and externally as an antiseptic.
Also called benjamin, benjamin-bush . any plant belonging to the genus Lindera (Benzoin), of the laurel family, including the spicebush and similar aromatic plants.
Origin of benzoin
1Words Nearby benzoin
Other definitions for benzoin (2 of 2)
a white, slightly water-soluble powder, C14H12O2, derived by the condensation of benzaldehyde in the presence of potassium cyanide, and used in organic synthesis.
Origin of benzoin
2Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use benzoin in a sentence
The spice-wood (laurus benzoin) and the pecan (carya olivformis) first occurred to-day.
Over the top is loosely spread a cheesecloth upon which a few drops of compound tincture of benzoin or eucalyptus are sprinkled.
The Mother and Her Child | William S. SadlerThe Styrax benzon, a native of the Indian islands, yields the resin called benzoin.
The Desert World | Arthur ManginThe benzoin merchant, betraying a habit acquired in a ruder society, groped vaguely at his hip.
Where the Pavement Ends | John Russellbenzoin is used in fire-works, more for its pleasant scent than any material use for the purposes of fire.
Endless Amusement | Unknown
British Dictionary definitions for benzoin
/ (ˈbɛnzɔɪn, -zəʊɪn, bɛnˈzəʊɪn) /
Also called: benjamin 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
a white or yellowish crystalline compound with a camphor-like odour used as an antiseptic and flavouring; 2-hydroxy-2-phenylacetophenone. Formula: C 6 H 5 CHOHCOC 6 H 5
any lauraceous aromatic shrub or tree of the genus Lindera, esp L. benzoin (spicebush)
Origin of benzoin
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for benzoin
[ bĕn′zō-ĭn, -zoin′ ]
A resin obtained from the bark of certain tropical Asian trees of the genus Styrax and used in making perfumes and in medicine as an antiseptic.
A very toxic white or yellowish crystalline compound derived from benzaldehyde. It oxidizes easily and is used as a reducing agent. Chemical formula: C14H12O2.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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