benzoin

Meaning

Noun

• A resinous substance, dry and brittle, obtained from Styrax benzoin (species), 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.
• An aromatic hydroxy ketone, 2-hydroxy-1,2-di(phenyl)ethanone, synthesized from benzaldehyde; any derivative of this compound.
• The spicebush, Lindera benzoin.

Origin

• From Middle French benjoin, from Spanish benjuí, Portuguese beijoim, Italian benzoi, from Arabic لُبَان جَاوِيّ ("Javanese frankincense"). The first word is from Proto-West Semitic *laban-, the second from جاوة (from Javanese ꦗꦮ).
• The initial lu was probably lost because it was taken as the definite article in Romance. Compare oliban.