benzoin

noun

ben·​zo·​in ˈben-zə-wən How to pronounce benzoin (audio)
-zō-,
-ˌwēn;
-ˌzȯin
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

Recent Examples on the Web Contents include different types and sizes of bandages and sterile dressings, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, tincture of benzoin, ibuprofen, aspirin, antihistamines, sting relief wipes, splinter tweezers, blister patches, and more. Jessica MacDonald, Travel + Leisure, 27 Feb. 2024 After testing this formula in the lab, we were impressed by its amber resin, benzoin, and Ceylon cinnamon notes, which give it a slight feminine touch but are still neutral enough to pass as a unisex or more neutral fragrance option. Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 14 Dec. 2023 The palace has said the oil is perfumed with sesame, rose, jasmine, cinnamon, neroli (oil from an orange tree), benzoin (balsamic tree bark resin), amber and orange blossom. Max Taylor, NBC News, 4 May 2023 Other notes include Lebanese Neroli and Italian Mandarin, as well as amber and balsam tones of myrrh and benzoin and vanilla and musk notes. Allyson Portee, Forbes, 21 Apr. 2023 Bower and Murphy, for instance, carve paths into the forest each spring to pick young Lindera benzoin (spicebush) leaves, which the Cherokee (whose ancestral knowledge informs much of Appalachia’s traditional medicine) have long used for colds, rheumatism, and anemia. Mark Johanson, Bon Appétit, 23 Sep. 2021 Incense and benzoin lend a spicy element that’s strong and masculine, but work to compliment the woods, not overpower them. Garrett Munce, Men's Health, 28 Feb. 2023 The Atelier des Fleurs version is a contemporary update of the original that plays up the spiciness of its base notes, amber and benzoin. Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, 8 Apr. 2021 At first spray, the aroma of pine shines through, alongside incense and benzoin, giving it a heady rush. Dallas News, 30 Nov. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'benzoin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1558, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of benzoin was in 1558

Dictionary Entries Near benzoin

Cite this Entry

“Benzoin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/benzoin. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

benzoin

noun
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!