Relating to or derived from benzoin or benzoic acid, especially the naturally occurring preservative found in many foods.
From 'benzoin' (from Arabic 'luban jawi' meaning Javan frankincense), which was the original source, with the suffix '-ic' making it an adjective. The term dates to early organic chemistry.
Benzoic acid is hiding in your food right now—it's used as a preservative in sodas, jams, and processed foods because bacteria and fungi hate it. That's why it's been used for food safety for centuries!
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