benzoin

¹

[ ben-zoh-in, -zoin, ben-zoh-in ]

noun

1. Also called gum ben·ja·min [guhm, , ben, -j, uh, -m, uh, n],. 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.
2. Also called benjamin, benjamin-bush. any plant belonging to the genus Lindera ( Benzoin ), of the laurel family, including the spicebush and similar aromatic plants.

benzoin

²

[ ben-zoh-in, -zoin, ben-zoh-in ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a white, slightly water-soluble powder, C 14 H 12 O 2 , derived by the condensation of benzaldehyde in the presence of potassium cyanide, and used in organic synthesis.

benzoin

/ bɛnˈzəʊɪn; -zəʊɪn; ˈbɛnzɔɪn /

noun

1. Also calledbenjamin 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
2. 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
3. any lauraceous aromatic shrub or tree of the genus Lindera , esp L. benzoin (spicebush)

benzoin

/ bĕn′zō-ĭn,-zoin′ /

1. 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.
2. A very toxic white or yellowish crystalline compound derived from benzaldehyde. It oxidizes easily and is used as a reducing agent. Chemical formula: C 14 H 12 O 2 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of benzoin¹

1550–60; earlier benjoin < Middle French < Portuguese beijoim and Spanish benjuí < Arabic lubān jāwī frankincense of Java ( lu- probably constructed as the definite article); z of benzoin < Italian benzoi ≪ Arabic

Origin of benzoin²

benzo- + -in ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of benzoin¹

C16: from French benjoin , from Old Catalan benjui , from Arabic lubān jāwī , literally: frankincense of Java

Example Sentences

The oil was pressed from olives harvested on the Mount of Olives, which plays a prominent role in the Bible, and has been perfumed with sesame, rose, jasmine, cinnamon, neroli, benzoin, amber oil and orange blossoms, the palace said.

From Seattle Times

The new oil includes olive oil scented with a mix of essential oils, sesame, rose, jasmine, cinnamon, neroli and benzoin, with orange blossom also added.

From BBC

The oil, perfumed with sesame, rose, jasmine, cinnamon, neroli, benzoin, and orange blossom, is based on that used for the coronation of the late Queen Elizabeth 70 years ago and a formula used for hundreds of years, the palace said.

From Reuters

The 12 sheets inside, scented with benzoin resin, can be burned as you would incense — or, better yet, stuck in a dresser drawer or travel bag to infuse what’s inside with a light vanilla fragrance.

From New York Times

California Dream, which is composed of mandarin, ambrette and vanilla-tinged benzoin, retails for $265, and the Israel-designed case is $625.

From Los Angeles Times