n.
Pronunciation: ' ben-z ə -w ə n, -z ō -, - ˌ w ē n; - ˌ zo ̇ in
Function: noun
Etymology: modification of Middle French benjoin, from Catalan benjuí, from Arabic lub ā n j ā wi, literally, frankincense of Java
Date: 1562
1 : a hard fragrant yellowish balsamic resin from trees (genus Styrax ) of southeastern Asia used especially as a fixative in perfumes, as incense, and in medicine as an expectorant and skin protectant
2 : a white crystalline hydroxy ketone C 14 H 12 O 2 made from benzaldehyde