opopanax
/ə(ʊ)ˈpɒpənaks
/(also opoponax)
noun
1An acacia tree with violet-scented flowers that yield an essential oil used in perfumery, native to warm regions of America and cultivated elsewhere.
- Acacia farnesiana, family Leguminosae.
2A yellow-flowered Mediterranean plant of the parsley family.
- Opopanax chironium, family Umbelliferae.
2.1 (also gum opopanax) [mass noun] A fetid gum resin obtained from the roots of the Mediterranean opopanax, used in perfumery.
3 [mass noun] A fragrant gum resin which is used in perfumery.
- This resin is obtained from the tree Commiphora kataf, family Burseraceae.
- The sophisticated men's fragrance contains a rich blend of oriental scents including opoponax, patchouli, amber and musk.
Origin
Late Middle English: via Latin from Greek, from opos 'juice' + panax 'all-healing'; compare with panacea.