benzoin

noun

ben·​zo·​in ˈben-zə-wən 

-zō-,

-ˌwēn  -ˌzȯin 

1

: a hard fragrant yellowish balsamic resin from trees (genus Styrax) of southeastern Asia used especially as a fixative in perfumes, as incense, and in medicine as an expectorant and skin protectant

2

: a white crystalline hydroxy ketone C₁₄H₁₂O₂ made from benzaldehyde

Examples of benzoin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The soft citrus floral feels light and fresh, with top notes of jasmine petals and lemon, a heart of frangipani and ylang ylang, and a base of sandalwood and benzoin. —Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024

Mortel Noir is a unisex, limited edition parfum that surrounds senses in intense, spicy and mystical essences of Madagascar black pepper, incense, myrrh, and benzoin. —Bianca Salonga, Forbes, 15 Sep. 2024

Moss contributes an earthy, green note that grounds the scent, while benzoin offers a sweet, balsamic richness. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 26 July 2024

The base of Sirène anchors the fragrance with a blend of moss, benzoin, cistus, labdanum, and cypriol. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 26 July 2024

Contents include different types and sizes of bandages and sterile dressings, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, tincture of benzoin, ibuprofen, aspirin, antihistamines, sting relief wipes, splinter tweezers, blister patches, and more. —Jessica MacDonald, Travel + Leisure, 27 Feb. 2024

After testing this formula in the lab, we were impressed by its amber resin, benzoin, and Ceylon cinnamon notes, which give it a slight feminine touch but are still neutral enough to pass as a unisex or more neutral fragrance option. —Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 14 Dec. 2023

The palace has said the oil is perfumed with sesame, rose, jasmine, cinnamon, neroli (oil from an orange tree), benzoin (balsamic tree bark resin), amber and orange blossom. —Max Taylor, NBC News, 4 May 2023

Other notes include Lebanese Neroli and Italian Mandarin, as well as amber and balsam tones of myrrh and benzoin and vanilla and musk notes. —Allyson Portee, Forbes, 21 Apr. 2023

Word History

Etymology

modification of Middle French benjoin, from Catalan benjuí, from Arabic lubān jāwi, literally, frankincense of Java

First Known Use

1558, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

benzoin

noun

ben·​zo·​in ˈben-zə-wən  -ˌwēn; -ˌzȯin 

1

: a hard fragrant yellowish balsamic resin from trees (genus Styrax of the family Styracaceae) of southeastern Asia used especially as an expectorant and topically to relieve skin irritations

2

: a white crystalline hydroxy ketone C₁₄H₁₂O₂ made from benzaldehyde

3

: a tree yielding benzoin