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benzoin |
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benzoin (bĕn`zoin, –zōĭn) or benzoinum (bĕnzoin`əm), balsamic resin resin, any of a class of amorphous solids or semisolids. Resins are found in nature and are chiefly of vegetable origin. They are typically light yellow to dark brown in color; tasteless; odorless or faintly aromatic; translucent or transparent; brittle, fracturing ..... Click the link for more information. , the dried exudation from the pierced bark of various species of the benzoin tree (Styrax) native to Sumatra, Java, and Thailand; appearing as red-brown to yellow-brown tears. Because of its fragrant odor it is used in perfume and sometimes in incense. The benzoic acid present in it gives it value in medicine as an antiseptic, as a stimulant, and, in certain respiratory diseases, as an inhalant. Among the several varieties are Siam benzoin and Sumatra benzoin. Siam benzoin is considered finer, since it has a high content of benzoic acid; Sumatra benzoin contains cinnamic acid. How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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