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
From the M-W Editors
Origin and Etymology of benzoin
modification of Middle French benjoin, from Catalan benjuí, from Arabic lubān jāwi, literally, frankincense of Java
Medical Dictionary
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
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