ˈstōˌraks, ˈstȯˌ- noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin, storax, tree (of the genus Styrax ) yielding storax, alteration of Latin styrax — more at styrax
1. : a resin derived from various trees of the genus Styrax (as S. officinalis ) and formerly used for incense
2.
a. : a balsam obtained from the bark of an Asiatic tree ( Liquidambar orientalis ) as a grayish brown fragrant liquid containing resin, styrene, and cinnamic acid and used as an expectorant and sometimes in perfumery — called also Levant storax
b. : a similar balsam from the sweet gum ( L. styraciflua ) — called also American storax, sweet gum ; compare liquidambar
3. : a shrub or tree of the genus Styrax