A fragrant resin obtained from trees of the genus Styrax, used in perfumes, incense, and traditional medicine. It can also refer to a white crystalline compound derived from this resin.
From French benjoin, which came from Arabic لُبَان جَاوِي (lubān jāwī), meaning 'frankincense of Java'. The Arabic phrase was corrupted through various European languages, with the 'lubān' (frankincense) part being dropped and 'jāwī' (of Java) being transformed into 'benzoin'. The word entered English in the 16th century through French, during the period of increased trade with Southeast Asia.
Try Another Word