resin

1 of 2

noun

res·​in ˈre-zᵊn How to pronounce resin (audio)
1
a
: any of various solid or semisolid amorphous fusible flammable natural organic substances that are usually transparent or translucent and yellowish to brown, are formed especially in plant secretions, are soluble in organic solvents (such as ether) but not in water, are electrical nonconductors, and are used chiefly in varnishes, printing inks, plastics, and sizes and in medicine
b
: rosin
2
a
: any of a large class of synthetic products that have some of the physical properties of natural resins but are different chemically and are used chiefly in plastics
b
: any of various products made from a natural resin or a natural polymer
resinous
ˈre-zᵊn-əs How to pronounce resin (audio)
ˈrez-nəs
adjective

resin

2 of 2

verb

resined; resining ˈre-zᵊn-iŋ How to pronounce resin (audio)
ˈrez-niŋ

transitive verb

: to treat with resin

Examples of resin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Unlike most of the old-growth pines, it was not chopped for lumber after its resin was tapped. Ryan Ballogg, Miami Herald, 29 Feb. 2024 The smoke smelled comforting—like a mixture of sage and resin, citronella and my grandpa. M. R. O’Connor, The New Yorker, 29 Feb. 2024 And in Africa, tree resin and ocher had been used to create similar compounds in ancient communities. Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Feb. 2024 This semester, the school offers a course focusing on costume crafts (including items such as shoes, hats, jewelry and working with uncommon materials such as thermoplastics and urethane resin). Cathy Whitlock, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Feb. 2024 Neanderthals Evidence of Advanced Tool Making Other archeological findings observed the use of adhesives like tree resin and the aforementioned ochre from ancient human communities in Africa. Max Bennett, Discover Magazine, 22 Feb. 2024 Instead of glass, Casey’s lamps are made with fabric, wire, and resin, creating a playful, almost psychedelic feel. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 6 Feb. 2024 The statue’s body is made from a mixture of resin, polyurethane and marble powder, while the cloth tunic is made from gold leaf and plaster. Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Feb. 2024 Oil, acrylic medium, aqua resin, epoxy resin, on linen over panel 45 x 48 inches. Stephanie Sporn, Vogue, 8 Feb. 2024
Verb
Next, consider the best shed material—options range from steel to resin to wood—for your home's climate. Adrienne Jordan, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Oct. 2021 Not resin, not pine tar, not sunscreen, just Lena Blackburne Baseball Rubbing Mud is permitted. Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes, 24 June 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'resin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French reisine, from Latin resina; akin to Greek rhētinē pine resin

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1865, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of resin was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near resin

Cite this Entry

“Resin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resin. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

resin

noun
res·​in
ˈrez-ᵊn
1
: any of various yellowish or brownish substances (as rosin) that are obtained from the gum or sap of some trees (as the pine) and are used in varnishes and plastics and in medicine
2
: any of various manufactured products that are similar to natural resins in properties and are used chiefly in plastics
resinous
ˈrez-nəs
-ᵊn-əs
adjective

Medical Definition

resin

noun
res·​in ˈrez-ᵊn How to pronounce resin (audio)
1
a
: any of various solid or semisolid amorphous fusible flammable natural organic substances that are usually transparent or translucent and yellowish to brown, are formed especially in plant secretions, are soluble in organic solvents (as ether) but not in water, and are electrical nonconductors
b
: rosin
c
: a solid pharmaceutical preparation consisting chiefly of the resinous principles of a drug or drugs usually extracted by solvents
resin of jalap
2
a
: any of a large class of synthetic products that have some of the physical properties of natural resins but are different chemically and are used chiefly in plastics
b
: any of various products made from a natural resin or a natural polymer

More from Merriam-Webster on resin

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