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.

 ◄ ►


 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.

 ◄ ►


 Ben·zoin n.
 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.
 2. A white crystalline substance, C14H12O2, obtained from benzoic aldehyde and some other sources.
 3. Bot. The spicebush (Lindera benzoin).
 Flowers of benzoin, benzoic acid. See under Benzoic.

 ◄ ►


 Lindera benzoin
      n : 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, {Benzoin
          odoriferum]