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Glite Dictionary
benzoin Sumatra

benzoin Sumatra

8.8
A fragrant sticky substance from a tree in Sumatra used in perfumes, incense, and medicines
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : benceno de Sumatra
  • The benzoin Sumatra resin is highly valued in perfumery.

Examples

  • She used benzoin Sumatra in her homemade incense recipes.

  • The export of benzoin Sumatra is important to the local economy of northern Sumatra.

  • Pharmaceutical companies often prefer benzoin Sumatra for its superior resin quality.

  • Many artisans use benzoin Sumatra in their incense blends.

  • Perfume makers often incorporate benzoin Sumatra for its rich, sweet aroma.

  • Craftsmen commonly use benzoin Sumatra in creating incense for spiritual ceremonies.

  • Natural healers value benzoin Sumatra for its medicinal properties in various remedies.

Synonyms

storax
vsbenzoin Sumatra
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A sticky plant substance with a sweet, vanilla-like smell used in perfumes and medicine

is narrower, applying to resin from a single island and used also in incense
Sumatran benzoin
vsbenzoin Sumatra
  • Specialized
8.7

A fragrant sticky substance from trees that grow in Sumatra used in perfumes and medicine

is the same resin but noted for incense and pharmaceutical use
benzoin
vsbenzoin Sumatra
  • Specialized
9.6

A sticky tree resin used to protect skin and scent perfumes

is narrower, naming the same resin from a specific island origin
gum benzoin
vsbenzoin Sumatra
  • Specialized
9.6

A sticky substance from trees with a sweet scent used to protect skin and scent perfumes and incense

has a broader aromatic and pharmaceutical use beyond skin treatment

Surface Forms

benzoin Sumatra singular
benzoin Sumatras plural

Morphology

benzoin + Sumatra

This is a compositional place-of-origin noun phrase: the meaning is directly derivable as a type of benzoin that comes from Sumatra. The structure (product + place name) is a common and predictable pattern cross-linguistically, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would understand the MWE.

Etymology

The name benzoin Sumatra comes from the sticky resin called benzoin that comes from trees on the island of Sumatra, where people cut the bark so the sap 'bleeds' out and hardens into fragrant lumps. That's why benzoin Sumatra refers to a fragrant 'resin' used in 'perfume', 'incense', and 'medicine'.