mastic

Meaning

Noun

• 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.

Origin

• From Middle English mastik, from Old French mastic, from Latin mastiche, from Ancient Greek μαστίχη, from μαστιχάω (note the chewing gum sense). Related to masticate.