resin
Noun 1. A sticky organic substance: A thick, often translucent or yellowish, organic substance that is typically secreted by plants, especially trees like pines and firs. It is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents and often hardens upon exposure to air. 2. A synthetic polymer: Any of a large class of synthetic products that have similar physical properties to natural plant resins. These are typically produced by the polymerization of simple molecules and are used in plastics, adhesives, varnishes, and many other industrial products.
Resin is primarily used as a mass noun (uncountable) to refer to the substance in general. It can be used countably when referring to different types or instances of the substance. - Natural resin is collected from trees. - The artist used a synthetic resin to coat the sculpture. - Different resins have different chemical properties.
- Natural Substance:
- Pine resin was historically used to waterproof boats and seal seams.
- The amber in the necklace is fossilized tree resin.
- Synthetic Substance:
- Epoxy resin is a strong adhesive used in construction and crafts.
- The tabletop has a glossy finish from a layer of clear resin.
- In Art and Craft: Refers to materials used for casting, coating, and creating jewelry.
- She mixed the two-part resin carefully before pouring it into the mold.
- In Botany/Entomology: Describes plant exudates or substances used by insects.
- The insect became trapped in the sticky resin, which later fossilized.
- Rosin (noun): A solid form of resin obtained from pines and some other plants, used especially on the bows of stringed instruments and by athletes (e.g., gymnasts, baseball pitchers) to improve grip.
- The violinist applied rosin to her bow.
- Resinous (adjective): Having the qualities of or resembling resin.
- The wood had a resinous smell.
- Gum: (Specifically for water-soluble plant exudates; "resin" is usually not water-soluble).
- Pitch: (A darker, more viscous form of resin, often associated with tar).
- Balsam: (A fragrant resinous exudate, often with medicinal properties).
- Resin duct: (Botany) A canal in plants that secretes and transports resin.
- Ion-exchange resin: (Chemistry) A synthetic resin used to remove ions from solutions.
- any of a class of solid or semisolid viscous substances obtained either as exudations from certain plants or prepared by polymerization of simple molecules