resin
resin Lexical Profile
resin Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A sticky, flammable organic substance, insoluble in water, exuded by some trees and other plants (especially fir and pine).
"The hiker's hands were sticky with pine resin after collecting firewood."
A solid or highly viscous synthetic polymer used as the basis for plastics, adhesives, varnishes, or other industrial products.
"The sculptor poured a clear epoxy resin into the mold to create a transparent cast."
• verb
To rub or treat a surface with resin, especially to apply it to a stringed instrument's bow to increase friction.
"The violinist paused to resin her bow before beginning the difficult concerto."
Word Nuance & Usage
While 'resin' broadly refers to natural or synthetic sticky polymers, it is sometimes confused with 'rosin', which specifically denotes the solid, refined natural resin used to treat the bows of stringed instruments.
Word Origin & Etymology
Late Middle English: from Old French resine, from Latin resina, from Greek rhētinē 'pine resin'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.