benzoin

noun

ben·zo·in | \ ˈben-zə-wən

, -zō-, -ˌwēn; -ˌzȯin\

Definition of benzoin

1 : 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

2 : a white crystalline hydroxy ketone C₁₄H₁₂O₂ made from benzaldehyde

Examples of benzoin in a Sentence

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There's benzoin and rose honey in there, plus incense absolute, ylang ylang, cumin, atlas cedar, and sandalwood. — Sarah Wu, Glamour, "I Replaced My $215 Perfume With This $6 Body Wash," 19 Oct. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'benzoin.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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The first known use of benzoin was in 1558

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benzoin

noun

ben·zo·in | \ ˈben-zə-wən

, -ˌwēn; -ˌzȯin

Medical Definition of benzoin

1 : 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

2 : a white crystalline hydroxy ketone C₁₄H₁₂O₂ made from benzaldehyde

3 : a tree yielding benzoin