mastic

• Nom désignant la résine aromatique du lentisque pistachier, utilisée notamment dans les vernis ; également un ciment pâteux servant de colle ou de mastic de vitrier, ainsi que l'arbuste sempervirent lui-même.

A noun referring to an aromatic resin from the mastic tree used in varnishes, a pasty cement used as an adhesive or filler, or the evergreen shrub itself.

1. Aromatic tree resinC1formal

   A fragrant resin obtained from the mastic tree, traditionally used in varnishes, chewing gum, and as a flavoring agent.

   Résine de lentisque

   • The ancient Greeks used mastic as a natural breath freshener.
   • Mastic resin is a key ingredient in some high-quality varnishes.
   • The distinctive flavor of this liqueur comes from mastic.

2. Adhesive or fillerB2formal

   A thick, pasty substance used as a cement, adhesive, or filler in construction and repairs.

   Mastic

   • The plumber applied mastic around the pipe joint to prevent leaks.
   • Use a waterproof mastic to seal the gaps in the bathroom tiles.
   • The carpenter filled the nail holes with wood mastic before painting.

   Synonymesadhesivecaulkcementfillerputtysealant

3. Mediterranean shrubC1formal

   An evergreen shrub or small tree native to the Mediterranean region, cultivated for its aromatic resin.

   Pistachier lentisque

   • The mastic shrub thrives in the rocky soils of the Greek islands.
   • Farmers carefully tap the mastic tree to collect its valuable resin.
   • The mastic plant is a characteristic feature of the Mediterranean maquis.

   Synonymeslentisk