Definition

1. Noun:
   • A fragrant resinous substance: Labdanum is a soft, dark-colored (blackish-brown to greenish) resin or oleoresin obtained from certain species of rockrose plants (Cistus species). It is valued for its warm, complex, and long-lasting scent and is primarily used in perfumery as a fixative to enhance the longevity of other fragrance notes.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The perfumer added a few drops of labdanum to the blend to act as a fixative.
  • Ancient civilizations used labdanum in incense and ointments.
  • The scent of labdanum is often described as amber-like, leathery, and sweet.

Advanced Usage

• "Labdanum absolute": A highly concentrated, purified form of labdanum resin obtained through solvent extraction, used in fine perfumery.
  • The formula called for labdanum absolute to provide a rich, balsamic base note.

Variants and Related Words

• Ladanum: An alternative, less common spelling for labdanum.
• Rockrose: The common name for plants of the genus , from which labdanum is harvested.
• Oleoresin: A natural mixture of an essential oil and a resin, which describes the physical form of labdanum.

Synonyms

• Gum resin: A general term for natural plant exudates that are mixtures of gum and resin, similar to labdanum.
• Balsam: A broader term for aromatic resins, often with similar fixative properties in perfumery.

Related Phrases

• Labdanum resinoid: A product made by extracting the resin with a hydrocarbon solvent, used in perfumery.
  • The resinoid form of labdanum is less viscous and easier to work with in some applications.

Noun

1. a soft blackish-brown resinous exudate from various rockroses used in perfumes especially as a fixative
2. a dark brown to greenish oleoresin that has a fragrant odor and is used as a fixative in perfumes; obtained as a juice from certain rockroses