Definition of: benzoin

(ben′zō·in, -zoin) noun
1. A gum resin from various East Indian plants (genus Styrax), used in medicine and as a perfume: also called benjamin.
2. Chem. A crystalline chemical compound, C₁₄ H₁₂ O₂, obtained variously, as from benzaldehyde by the action of an alcoholic solution of potassium cyanide: also called flowers of benzoin.
3. Any plant of a small genus (Lindera) of North American and Asian shrubs or trees of the laurel family, including the spicebush. [<F benjoin <Pg. beijoin or Ital. benzoi <Arabic lubān jāwī incense of Java]