liquidambar

 
Pronunciation: /ˌlɪkwɪdˈambə/

noun

  • a deciduous North American and Asian tree with maple-like leaves and bright autumn colours, yielding aromatic resinous balsam.
    • Genus Liquidambar, family Hamamelidaceae: several species, including L. orientalis of Asia, which yields Levant storax, and the sweet gum of North America
  • [mass noun] liquid balsam obtained chiefly from the Asian liquidambar tree, used medicinally and in perfume. Also called storax.

Origin:

late 16th century: modern Latin, apparently formed irregularly from Latin liquidus 'liquid' + medieval Latin ambar 'amber'