propolis

American  

[prop-uh-lis] / ˈprɒp ə lɪs /

noun

1. a reddish resinous cement collected by bees from the buds of trees, used to stop up crevices in the hives, strengthen the cells, etc.

---

propolis British  

/ ˈprɒpəlɪs /

noun

1. Also called: bee glue.   hive dross.  a greenish-brown resinous aromatic substance collected by bees from the buds of trees for use in the construction of hives

---

Etymology

Origin of propolis

1350–1400; < Latin < Greek própolis bee glue, literally, outskirts of a city ( see pro- ², -polis), apparently originally the name for a structure around the entrance to a hive, hence applied to the glue from which it was made; replacing Middle English propoleos < Medieval Latin, for Latin propolis as above

Example Sentences

The strains were also tested under different matric potential, which measures how much moisture is available, and response to propolis.

From Science Daily • May 21, 2024

People allergic to propolis may also react to balsam of Peru, carnauba wax or fragrances.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 26, 2023

Not only has honey production fallen, but with it the quantity of other products such as royal jelly, bee pollen, bee venom and bee glue known as propolis.

From Reuters • Nov. 22, 2022

The bees had glued it down from the underside with propolis — a sticky substance they create with tree resin.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 14, 2021

Upon them devolves the whole care and labour of the colony, to collect pollen, propolis, and honey; to build the combs and to attend upon the brood or young bees.

From A Description of the Bar-and-Frame-Hive With an Abstract of Wildman's Complete Guide for the Management of Bees Throughout the Year by Munn, William Augustus