Colophonium
/ˌkɒləˈfəʊniəm/noun
A pharmaceutical and chemical name for colophony, or rosin, the solid resin left after distilling turpentine from pine sap.
Did you know?The name comes from Colophon, an ancient Greek city in Asia Minor reputed for producing especially high-quality pine resin, while colophony later became important in medicine, varnish, bows, and ritual incense.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
Κολοφών (Kolophōn)
“Colophon, an ancient city in western Asia Minor; the name is also associated with a summit or finishing point.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
κολοφωνία (kolophōnia)
“Resin associated with Colophon, especially pine resin or rosin.”
Classical Latin
Latin
colophonia
“Colophony or rosin, named for its association with Colophon.”
Medieval Latin
Latin
colophonium
“A Latinized form referring to colophony or resin.”
Early Modern English
English
colophonium
“A technical pharmaceutical and chemical term for rosin.”
Modern English
English
colophonium
“A specialist name for the solid resin obtained from pine turpentine.”
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