mastic: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/UncommonTechnical/Specialist
Quick answer
What does “mastic” mean?
A resin obtained from the mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus), used chiefly in varnishes, lacquers, and adhesives.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A resin obtained from the mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus), used chiefly in varnishes, lacquers, and adhesives.
Refers to any of various pasty substances used as cements or sealants in construction, dentistry, or art; also refers to the tree itself or a liquor flavoured with the resin.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical, though 'mastic' as a construction sealant might be slightly more familiar in UK English due to historical building practices. The tree/plant reference is equally technical in both.
Connotations
In both, the primary connotation is technical/artisanal. In culinary contexts (e.g., Greek/Turkish/Middle Eastern food), it evokes a specific, somewhat exotic flavour.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general discourse. Higher frequency in specific fields like dentistry ('mastic space'), construction, conservation, or specialised cooking.
Grammar
How to Use “mastic” in a Sentence
The conservator applied mastic to the joints.The recipe calls for a pinch of ground mastic.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mastic” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The glazier used a high-quality mastic to bed the new window pane.
- Mastic has been harvested on the island of Chios for centuries.
- This antique varnish is believed to contain mastic.
American English
- We need a tube of mastic to seal the bathtub.
- The flavor of mastic is distinctive and piney.
- Archaeologists found traces of mastic in the ancient toolkit.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, might appear in contexts of importing raw materials (resins, gums) or specialty food ingredients.
Academic
Used in archaeology (ancient adhesives), botany, materials science, art history (varnish composition), and dentistry.
Everyday
Very rare. A person might encounter it in a DIY store ('roofing mastic') or a gourmet recipe.
Technical
Core usage. Specific in dentistry (masticatory function/materials), construction (mastic sealant for windows), fine art conservation (mastic varnish).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mastic”
- Pronouncing it /ˈmɑːstɪk/ (like 'master' without 'er').
- Using it as a general synonym for 'glue'.
- Confusing 'mastic' (resin) with 'masticate' (to chew).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. Mastic is a specific natural resin that can be chewed as a gum, but modern chewing gum is typically made from synthetic polymers. 'Mastic gum' refers to the resin itself.
No. The action related to mastic is 'to apply mastic' or 'to seal with mastic'. The similar-sounding verb 'masticate' means to chew.
It is a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product, referring to mastic resin specifically from the mastic trees on the Greek island of Chios, renowned for its quality and purity.
Yes. Ground mastic resin is used as a spice and flavouring, particularly in Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern cuisine (e.g., in desserts like Turkish delight 'lokum', ice cream, and bread). It is also used to flavour liqueurs.
A resin obtained from the mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus), used chiefly in varnishes, lacquers, and adhesives.
Mastic is usually technical/specialist in register.
Mastic: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmæstɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmæstɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a MAST (of a ship) being repaired with a sticky ICky resin – MAST-ICK.
Conceptual Metaphor
STICKINESS IS HOLDING/CONTAINMENT (mastic holds things together/seals gaps); PURITY/ANTIQUITY (ancient, natural resin).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'mastic' LEAST likely to be used professionally?