a gum resin containing benzoic acid, obtained from various trees of the genus Styrax, esp S. benzoin of Java and Sumatra, and used in ointments, perfume, etc
2.
a white or yellowish crystalline compound with a camphor-like odour used as an antiseptic and flavouring; 2-hydroxy-2-phenylacetophenone. Formula: C6H5CHOHCOC6H5
3.
any lauraceous aromatic shrub or tree of the genus Lindera, esp L. benzoin (spicebush)
Word origin
C16: from French benjoin, from Old Catalan benjui, from Arabic lubān jāwī, literally: frankincense of Java