[ben-zoh-in, -zoin, ben-zoh-in] 
| 1. | Also called gum benjamin, gum benzoin. a reddish-brown, aromatic balsamic resin occurring in almondlike fragments and having a vanillalike odor, obtained from trees of the genus Styrax, esp. S. benzoin, of Java, Sumatra, etc.: used in the manufacture of perfume and cosmetics and in medicine internally as an expectorant and externally as an antiseptic. |
| 2. | Also called benjamin, benjamin-bush. any plant belonging to the genus Lindera (Benzoin), of the laurel family, including the spicebush and similar aromatic plants. |
[spahys-boosh] | 1. | Also called spice-wood. a yellow-flowered, North American shrub, Lindera benzoin, of the laurel family, whose bark and leaves have a spicy odor. |
| 2. | a North American shrub, Calycanthus occidentalis, having oblong leaves and fragrant, light-brown flowers. |
benzoin (běn'zō-ĭn, -zoin') Pronunciation Key
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