ˌmaləˈbathrəm noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin malabathrum, malobathrum, from Greek malabathron, modification of Sanskrit tamālapattra garcinia leaf, from tamāla garcinia (perhaps from tamas darkness) + pattra leaf, wing, feather; akin to Sanskrit patati he flies — more at temerity , feather
1. : the leaf of a plant ( Cinnamomum malabathrum ) used especially in making a perfumed ointment
2. : an ointment prepared from malabathrum