bdellium, ii, n. (bedella, ae, f., Marc. Emp. 19; cf. the letter B), = βδέλλιον, an Asiatic plant, distinguished for its fragrant gum, the vine-palm: Borassus flabelliformis, Linn.; Plin. 12, 9, 19, § 35; Isid. Orig. 17, 8, 6.

— Meton., the costly gum exuding from it: Arabicum, Veg. 6, 14, 1 and 5: color bdellii, Vulg. Num. 11, 7.

—Hence, as a term of endearment: tu crocinum et casia es, tu bdellium, Plaut. Curc. 1, 2, 7.