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mas·tic

(măstĭk)

1. The mastic tree.

2. The aromatic resin of the mastic tree, used in varnishes and as a flavoring and formerly in chewing gum and as a medicine.

3. Any of various substances used as an adhesive or sealant.

4. A pastelike cement used in highway construction, especially one made with powdered lime or brick and tar.

[Middle English, mastic resin, from Old French mastich, from Latin mastichum, mastichē, from Greek mastikhē, chewing gum, mastic, from mastikhān, to grind the teeth.]

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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