MASTIC

mastic, mastic tree, lentisk, Pistacia lentiscus

(noun) an evergreen shrub of the Mediterranean region that is cultivated for its resin

mastic

(noun) a pasty cement used as an adhesive or filler

mastic

(noun) an aromatic exudate from the mastic tree; used chiefly in varnishes

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

mastic (countable and uncountable, plural mastics)

An evergreen shrub or small tree, Pistacia lentiscus (mastic tree), native to the Mediterranean.

A hard, brittle, aromatic and transparent resin produced by this tree and used to make varnishes and chewing gum, and as a flavouring.

An alcoholic liquor flavoured with this resin.

A flexible, waterproof cement used as an adhesive, sealant or filler.

Anagrams

• Amcits, Stimac, misact

Source: Wiktionary


Mas"tic, n. Etym: [F., fr. L. mastiche, mastichum, Gr. [Written also mastich.]

1. (Bot.)

Definition: A low shrubby tree of the genus Pistacia (P. Lentiscus), growing upon the islands and coasts of the Mediterranean, and producing a valuable resin; -- called also, mastic tree.

2. A resin exuding from the mastic tree, and obtained by incision. The best is in yellowish white, semitransparent tears, of a faint smell, and is used as an astringent and an aromatic, also as an ingredient in varnishes.

3. A kind of cement composed of burnt clay, litharge, and linseed oil, used for plastering walls, etc. Barbary mastic (Bot.), the Pistachia Atlantica.

– Peruvian mastic tree (Bot.), a small tree (Schinus Molle) with peppery red berries; -- called also pepper tree.

– West Indian mastic (Bot.), a lofty tree (Bursera gummifera) full of gum resin in every part.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

23 November 2024

THEORETICAL

(adjective) concerned primarily with theories or hypotheses rather than practical considerations; “theoretical science”


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Coffee Trivia

Coffee has initially been a food – chewed, not sipped. Early African tribes consume coffee by grinding the berries together, adding some animal fat, and rolling the treats into tiny edible energy balls.

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