sandarac

American  

[san-duh-rak] / ˈsæn dəˌræk /

noun

1. a coniferous tree, Tetraclinis articulata (Callitrus quadrivalvis ), native to northwestern Africa, yielding a resin and a fragrant, hard, dark-colored wood much used in building.

2. the brittle, usually pale-yellow, faintly aromatic resin exuding from the bark of this tree: used chiefly as incense and in making varnish.

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sandarac British  

/ ˈsændəˌræk /

noun

1. Also called: sandarac tree.  either of two coniferous trees, Tetraclinis articulata of N Africa or Callistris endlicheri of Australia, having hard fragrant dark wood: family Cupressaceae

2. a brittle pale yellow transparent resin obtained from the bark of this tree and used in making varnish and incense

3. Also called: citron wood.  the wood of this tree, used in building

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Etymology

Origin of sandarac

1350–1400; Middle English sandaracha < Latin sandaraca < Greek sandarákē realgar, beebread

Example Sentences

“I will take you to a place where anything may be bought—cobalt, lapis lazuli, cinnabar, orpiment, sandarac—and it is honestly sold.”

From Project Gutenberg

Rembrandt, from motives of economy, may have employed the scarcely less durable common "vernix" or sandarac oil varnish; and for certain effects may have reckoned on its tint.

From Project Gutenberg

One ounce white rosin; one half ounce gum sandarac; one half ounce Prussian blue, in fine powder.

From Project Gutenberg

If you would have your varnish brilliant, use much sandarac—it makes certainly a very hard varnish—it is difficult to combine it with oil.

From Project Gutenberg

Always the eraser and the sandarac, the same inkstand, the same pens, and the same companions.

From Project Gutenberg