A fragrant gum resin obtained from certain trees in Africa and Asia, used in perfumes and incense. It appears in ancient texts as a precious aromatic substance.
From Arabic muql al-yahūd meaning 'Jewish gum', referring to its use in Jewish religious practices. The word entered English via Latin bdellium and Greek bdellion, ultimately from a Semitic source. It was mentioned in the Bible as one of the precious substances found in the land of Havilah.
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