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benzoin

noun
ben·​zo·​in | \ ˈben-zə-wən How to pronounce benzoin (audio) , -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

Recent Examples on the Web

 This latest version of the scent reportedly features top notes of lavender and bergamot, middle notes of jasmine, iris, and rose, and base notes of vanilla, sandalwood, coumarin, benzoin, licorice, and patchouli. — Marci Robin, Allure, "Nearly All of Angelina Jolie's Tattoos Are Visible in Her New Guerlain Perfume Ad," 4 Aug. 2019 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.

First Known Use of benzoin

1558, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for benzoin

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

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More Definitions for benzoin

benzoin

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

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

More from Merriam-Webster on benzoin

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with benzoin

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