ben (3)

[A contraction for behen; from Pers. & Arab. bahman, behmen = (1) a herb, the leaves of which resemble ears of corn saffron; (2) a medicine, of which there were two kinds, one red and the other white; (3) the dog-rose ( Rosa can in a ), from Pers. & Arab. baihan = the dog-rose. (Mahn.).] 1. Chiefly in compos.: The Horse-radish Tree (Moringa pterygosperma ). (MORINGA.) The flowers, leaves, and tender seed-ve els are eaten by the natives of India in their curries. The winged seeds are the Ben-nuts mentioned below. 2. As an independent word: Ben, or White Ben, a British plant ( Silene in flat a, Linn.). Formerly it was designated Cucubalus behen, whence came the abbreviation Ben .