styrax benzoin

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Styrax \Sty"rax\, n. [L. styrax, storax, Gr. ?. See Storax.]

1.(Bot.) A genus of shrubs and trees, mostly American or Asiatic, abounding in resinous and aromatic substances. Styrax officinalis yields storax, and Styrax Benzoin yields benzoin. [1913 Webster]

2.Same as Storax. [1913 Webster]

Benzoin \Ben*zoin"\ (b[e^]n*zoin"), n. [Cf. F. benjoin, Sp. benjui, Pg. beijoin; all fr. Ar. lub[=a]n-j[=a]w[imac] incense form Sumatra (named Java in Arabic), the first syllable being lost. Cf. Benjamin.]

Note: [Called also benjamin.]

1.A resinous substance, dry and brittle, obtained from the Styrax benzoin, a tree of Sumatra, Java, etc., having a fragrant odor, and slightly aromatic taste. It is used in the preparation of benzoic acid, in medicine, and as a perfume. [1913 Webster]

2.A white crystalline substance, C14H12O2, obtained from benzoic aldehyde and some other sources. [1913 Webster]

3.(Bot.) The spicebush (Lindera benzoin). [1913 Webster]

Flowers of benzoin, benzoic acid. See under Benzoic. [1913 Webster]