an aromatic resin obtained from the mastic tree and used as an astringent and to make varnishes and lacquers
2. mastic tree
3.
any of several sticky putty-like substances used as a filler, adhesive, or seal in wood, plaster, or masonry
4.
a liquor flavoured with mastic gum
Word origin
C14: via Old French from Late Latin mastichum, from Latin, from Greek mastikhē resin used as chewing gum; from mastikhan to grind the teeth
mastic in American English
(ˈmæstɪk)
noun
1.
a yellowish resin obtained from a small Mediterranean evergreen tree (Pistacia lentiscus) of the cashew family, used as an astringent and in making varnish, adhesives, etc.
2.
the tree
: in full mastic tree
3.
any of various pasty substances used as adhesives, sealants, etc.
Word origin
ME mastik < OFr mastic < LL mastichum < L mastiche < Gr mastichē, akin to mastichan: see masticate
Examples of 'mastic' in a sentence
mastic
A hole had been drilled to accommodate the wire, then sealed with a glob of mastic putty to keep fuel from leaking out.
Terman, Douglas CORMORANT
Stone cleaned the mastic off the wire and the access plate with a paper towel, then rummaged around in the parts locker.