Mastic
/ˈmæstɪk/noun
A resin from the mastic tree, or a flavoring/chewing gum made from it.
Did you know?The word ultimately comes from Greek mastikhe, linked to mastax, meaning “jaw” or “mouth,” because the resin was famous for being chewed—language preserving a physical habit from ancient life.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
μαστίχη (mastíkhe)
“The resin of the mastic tree, especially that used for chewing and flavoring.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
μάσταξ (mástax)
“Jaw, mouth, or the act of chewing.”
Late Latin
Latin
mastichē
“Mastic resin.”
Old French
Old French
mastic
“Mastic resin; a chewing resin or gum.”
Late Middle English
English
mastic
“The resin of the mastic tree.”
Modern English
English
mastic
“A fragrant resin obtained from the mastic tree, used in chewing gum, confectionery, and varnish.”
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