benzoin

== English == === Etymology === From Middle French benjoin, from Catalan benjuí, from Arabic لُبَان جَاوِيّ (lubān jāwiyy, “Javanese frankincense”). The first word is from Proto-West Semitic *laban- (“white”), the second from جاوة (jāwa, “Java”) (from Javanese ꦗꦮ (jawa)). The initial lu was probably lost because it was taken as the definite article in Romance. Compare oliban. === Pronunciation === (UK) IPA(key): /ˈbɛnzəʊɪn/, /ˈbɛnzɔɪn/ Rhymes: -ɛnzəʊɪn, -ɛnzɔɪn === Noun === benzoin (countable and uncountable, plural benzoins) A resinous substance, dry and brittle, obtained from Styrax benzoin, a tree of Sumatra, Java, etc., having a fragrant odor, and slightly aromatic taste. It is used in the preparation of benzoic acid, in medicine, and as a perfume. [from 16th c.] (organic chemistry) An aromatic hydroxy ketone, 2-hydroxy-1,2-di(phenyl)ethanone, synthesized from benzaldehyde; any derivative of this compound. [from 19th c.] The spicebush, Lindera benzoin. [from 19th c.] ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Related terms ==== benjamin ==== Translations ==== === Anagrams === Benzion