mastic

[ mas-tik ]

/ ˈmæs tɪk /

Save This Word!

noun

Also called mastic tree, lentisk. a small Mediterranean tree, Pistacia lentiscus, of the cashew family, that is the source of an aromatic resin used in making varnish and adhesives.

any of several similar or related trees, as a pepper tree, Schinus molle, of western South America.

the resin obtained from the mastic.

any similar resin, especially one yielded by other trees of the same genus.

Building Trades.

any of various preparations containing bituminous materials and used as an adhesive or seal.
a pasty form of cement used for filling holes in masonry or plaster.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of mastic

1350–1400; Middle English mastyk<Latin mastichē<Greek mastíchē chewing gum, akin to mastichân to gnash the teeth

Words nearby mastic

master workman, masterwort, mastery, masthead, mast house, mastic, masticate, mastication, masticatory, mastiff, mastiff bat

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use mastic in a sentence

Now then if thou sawest her, tell me under what tree thou sawest them conversing together: He said: Under a mastic tree.
The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version|Various
Take half an ounce each of oil of mastic, myrtle, and quinces; a drachm each of fine bole and troch.
The Works of Aristotle the Famous Philosopher|Anonymous
We may infer from one of his statements that he had, at some time, been at Scio observing the making of mastic.
Christopher Columbus and How He Received and Imparted the Spirit of Discovery|Justin Winsor
Whistler told us that he used a medium composed of copal, mastic, and turpentine.
The Life of James McNeill Whistler|Elizabeth Robins Pennell

The sphere is of wood, the surface of which is covered with mastic or varnish, and on this the map has been drawn.
Terrestrial and Celestial Globes Vol II|Edward Luther Stevenson

British Dictionary definitions for mastic

mastic

/ (ˈmæstɪk) /

noun

an aromatic resin obtained from the mastic tree and used as an astringent and to make varnishes and lacquers

mastic tree

a small Mediterranean anacardiaceous evergreen tree, Pistacia lentiscus, that yields the resin mastic
any of various similar trees, such as the pepper tree

any of several sticky putty-like substances used as a filler, adhesive, or seal in wood, plaster, or masonry

a liquor flavoured with mastic gum

Word Origin for mastic

C14: via Old French from Late Latin mastichum, from Latin, from Greek mastikhē resin used as chewing gum; from mastikhan to grind the teeth

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012