storax

noun

sto·​rax ˈstȯr-ˌaks 

1

a

: a fragrant balsam obtained from the bark of an Asian tree (Liquidambar orientalis) of the sweet gum family that is used as an expectorant and sometimes in perfumery

called also Levant storax

b

: a balsam from the sweet gum that is similar to storax

2

: any of a genus (Styrax of the family Styracaceae, the storax family) of trees or shrubs with usually hairy leaves and white flowers in drooping racemes compare benzoin

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin, alteration of Latin styrax, from Greek

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing storax

• Levant storax

Medical Definition

storax

noun

sto·​rax ˈstō(ə)r-ˌaks, ˈstȯ(ə)r- 

1

: a fragrant balsam obtained from the bark of an Asian tree of the genus Liquidambar (L. orientalis) that is used as an expectorant and sometimes in perfumery

called also Levant storax, liquid storax

2

: a balsam from the sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua) that is similar to storax

called also American storax, liquidambar