Definition of "benzoin" [ben•zoin]

• A balsamic resin obtained from certain tropical Asian trees of the genus Styrax and used in perfumery and medicine. Also called benjamin, gum benjamin, gum benzoin. (noun)
• A white or yellowish crystalline compound, C14H12O2, derived from benzaldehyde. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Coromandel - "an oriental fragrance using a tree resin called benzoin, which has vanilla-like properties"..."
• "There are sweet resins and balsams namely benzoin and labdanum, a subtle, sexy musk, and a most definite note of castoreum paired with civet."
• "To that amber base I would like to add a tad of smoky-resinous notes of Choya Loban the distractive distillation of benzoin, meaning it is left ot burn and scortch a little in the process, to produce a wonderfully smoky burnt caramel scent."