gurjun

/ ˈɡɜːdʒən /

noun

1. any of several S or SE Asian dipterocarpaceous trees of the genus Dipterocarpus that yield a resin
2. Also calledgurjun balsam the resin from any of these trees, used as a varnish

Word History and Origins

Origin of gurjun¹

C19: from Bengali garjon

Example Sentences

Several new drugs which seem to stimulate the nutrition and produce temporary improvement in the local and general symptoms have lately been widely employed, as Gurjun balsam and chaulmoogra oil, but they have wrought no cure.

From Project Gutenberg

Under the name of wood oil, or Gurjun balsam, an oleo-resin is procured in India and the Eastern Archipelago from several species of Dipterocarpus, chiefly D. turbinatus, which has the odour and properties of copaiba and has been used for the same purposes.

From Project Gutenberg

Uses.—This tree yields an oleo resin, used in medicine and known under the name of bálsamo de gurjun.

From Project Gutenberg

The first to recommend the use of gurjun as a substitute for copaiba was Sir W. O’Shaughnessy in 1838, and in 1852 this property was confirmed by Waring with highly satisfactory results.

From Project Gutenberg

Chaulmoogra oil and gurjun oil internally and externally are in some instances of service.

From Project Gutenberg