Ben-zoin', n.

n. [Fr. benjoin, Sp. benjui, It. belzuino, Ger. benzoin, benzoë. Cf. Per. bunāsat, bināsat, banāsab, banāsib, terebinth resin, from ban, wan, terebinth grain, banāsib, id., and isab, an excrescence on the body; wanized, turpentine of the pistachio-tree.] A resinous substance, dry and brittle, obtained from the Styrax benzoin, a tree of Sumatra, Java, &c., having a fragrant odor, and slightly aromatic taste. It is used in the preparation of benzoic acid, in medicine, and as a perfume. [Called also benjamin.]