propolis
/ˈprɒp(ə)lɪs
/noun [mass noun]
A red or brown resinous substance collected by honeybees from tree buds, used by them to fill crevices and to fix and varnish honeycombs.‘They mix it with saliva, pollen and beeswax to form propolis, a resinous yellow-brown to dark brown substance,’ she said....
- Natural honey-bee products such as propolis, royal jelly, caffeic acid, honey and venom may have applications in cancer treatment and prevention, say researchers.
- The jars are all capped with pieces of honeycomb, wax and propolis.
Origin
Early 17th century: via Latin from Greek propolis 'suburb', also 'bee glue', from pro 'before' + polis 'city'.