benzoin

noun ben·zo·in \ˈben-zə-wən, -zō-, -ˌwēn; -ˌzȯin\

Definition of BENZOIN

: a hard fragrant yellowish balsamic resin from trees (genus Styrax) of southeastern Asia used especially as a fixative in perfumes, as incense, and in medicine as an expectorant and skin protectant

: a white crystalline hydroxy ketone C₁₄H₁₂O₂ made from benzaldehyde

Origin of BENZOIN

modification of Middle French benjoin, from Catalan benjuí, from Arabic lubān jāwi, literally, frankincense of Java

First Known Use: 1562

Rhymes with BENZOIN

adjoin, Alboin, Burgoyne, conjoin, Des Moines, disjoin, eloign, enjoin, essoin, purloin, recoin, rejoin, sainfoin, short loin, sirloin, subjoin

Medical Dictionary

benzoin

noun ben·zo·in \ˈben-zə-wən, -ˌwēn; -ˌzȯin\

Medical Definition of BENZOIN

: a hard fragrant yellowish balsamic resin from trees (genus Styrax of the family Styracaceae) of southeastern Asia used especially as an expectorant and topically to relieve skin irritations

: a white crystalline hydroxy ketone C₁₄H₁₂O₂ made from benzaldehyde

: a tree yielding benzoin