Lindera benzoin
n 1: deciduous shrub of the eastern United States having highly
aromatic leaves and bark and yellow flowers followed by
scarlet or yellow berries [syn: {spicebush}, {spice bush},
{American spicebush}, {Benjamin bush}, {Lindera benzoin},
{Benzoin odoriferum}]
Spicewood \Spice"wood`\, n. (Bot.)
An American shrub ({Lindera Benzoin}), the bark of which has
a spicy taste and odor; -- called also {Benjamin}, {wild
allspice}, and {fever bush}.
[1913 Webster]
Allspice \All"spice`\, n.
The berry of the pimento ({Eugenia pimenta}), a tree of the
West Indies; a spice of a mildly pungent taste, and agreeably
aromatic; Jamaica pepper; pimento. It has been supposed to
combine the flavor of cinnamon, nutmegs, and cloves; and
hence the name. The name is also given to other aromatic
shrubs; as, the {Carolina allspice} ({Calycanthus floridus});
{wild allspice} ({Lindera benzoin}), called also {spicebush},
{spicewood}, and {feverbush}.
[1913 Webster]
Benzoin \Ben*zoin"\ (b[e^]n*zoin"), n. [Cf. F. benjoin, Sp.
benjui, Pg. beijoin; all fr. Ar. lub[=a]n-j[=a]w[imac]
incense form Sumatra (named Java in Arabic), the first
syllable being lost. Cf. {Benjamin}.]
Note: [Called also {benjamin}.]
1. A resinous substance, dry and brittle, obtained from the
{Styrax benzoin}, a tree of Sumatra, Java, etc., having a
fragrant odor, and slightly aromatic taste. It is used in
the preparation of benzoic acid, in medicine, and as a
perfume.
[1913 Webster]
2. A white crystalline substance, {C14H12O2}, obtained from
benzoic aldehyde and some other sources.
[1913 Webster]
3. (Bot.) The spicebush ({Lindera benzoin}).
[1913 Webster]
{Flowers of benzoin}, benzoic acid. See under {Benzoic}.
[1913 Webster]