storax

noun sto·rax \ ˈstȯr-ˌaks \

Definition of storax

1 a : a fragrant balsam obtained from the bark of an Asian tree (Liquidambar orientalis) of the witch-hazel family that is used as an expectorant and sometimes in perfumery — called also Levant storax

b : a balsam from the sweet gum that is similar to storax

2 : any of a genus (Styrax of the family Styracaceae, the storax family) of trees or shrubs with usually hairy leaves and white flowers in drooping racemes — compare benzoin

Origin and Etymology of storax

Middle English, from Late Latin, alteration of Latin styrax, from Greek

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

storax

noun sto·rax \ ˈstō(ə)r-ˌaks, ˈstȯ(ə)r- \

medical Definition of storax

1 : a fragrant balsam obtained from the bark of an Asian tree of the genus Liquidambar (L. orientalis) that is used as an expectorant and sometimes in perfumery — called also Levant storax, liquid storax

2 : a balsam from the sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua) that is similar to storax — called also American storax, liquidambar