Definition

1. Noun:
   • A dark red resinous substance: Dragon's blood is a natural, dark red resin obtained from several different tropical tree species. It is not actual blood but a plant secretion.
   • A material with specific uses: Historically and commercially, it has been used in various applications, including as a varnish, dye, incense, and in traditional medicine.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The artisan used dragon's blood to give the violin a deep red varnish.
  • Ancient texts describe dragon's blood as a valuable trade commodity.

Advanced Usage

• In a botanical/chemical context: Refers specifically to the resin from trees of the genus or .
  • The dragon's blood from the Dracaena cinnabari tree is a key part of the island's ecosystem.

Variants and Related Words

• Resin (n): A sticky substance exuded by some trees and plants.
• Sanguis draconis: The Latin term for dragon's blood.

Synonyms

• Cinnabar resin (in specific historical/art contexts).
• Red resin.

Related Phrases/Compounds

• Dragon's blood tree: Refers to trees, such as , known for producing this resin.
  • The dragon's blood tree is known for its unique umbrella-shaped canopy.

Notes on Meaning

• The term is a direct translation of the ancient Greek and Latin names for the substance. It is named for its vivid red color, not because it comes from a dragon. Its primary meaning is the resin itself. The compound term "dragon's blood" functions as a single lexical unit (a noun) for this specific material.

Noun

1. a dark red resinous substance derived from various trees and used in photoengraving