bdellium

[ del-ee-uhm, -yuhm ]

noun

1. a fragrant gum resin obtained from certain plants of the genus Commiphora, family Burseraceae, especially the sub-Saharan trees C. africana and C. wightii.
2. a plant yielding a fragrant gum resin.
3. a substance mentioned in the Bible.

bdellium

/ ˈdɛlɪəm /

noun

1. any of several African or W Asian trees of the burseraceous genus Commiphora that yield a gum resin
2. the aromatic gum resin, similar to myrrh, produced by any of these trees

Word History and Origins

Origin of bdellium¹

From Latin, from Greek bdéllion, probably from a Semitic word akin to Hebrew bedhōlah, the name of a fragrant yellowish transparent gum

Word History and Origins

Origin of bdellium¹

C16: from Latin, from Greek bdellion , perhaps from Hebrew bědhōlah

Example Sentences

Take three drachms of gum bdellium, put the stone pyrites on the coals, and let her take the fumes into her womb.

From Project Gutenberg

Or take bdellium flowers, half an ounce, and with oil of roses make a liniment.

From Project Gutenberg

The "bdellium" mentioned by Moses in Genesis is a perfuming gum, resembling frankincense, if not identical with it.

From Project Gutenberg

In his quaint but sincere fashion he had preached of gold and precious jewels; of bdellium and the onyx stone.

From Project Gutenberg

This contains litharge, bdellium, and "green brasse," but no loadstone.

From Project Gutenberg