What does mastics mean?
Mastics is the plural form of mastic, an aromatic resin produced by the evergreen mastic tree, Pistacia lentiscus. The resin is obtained from cuts made in the tree's bark and has long been valued for its fragrance, medicinal qualities, and preservative properties. It has been used in varnishes, incense, medicinal preparations, and foods, including the mastiha confectionery associated with Chios. The name can also apply to several trees of the species. Although “mastic” is the more usual dictionary form, “mastics” occurs when individual pieces of resin or multiple trees are being discussed. In ordinary English, both forms are relatively uncommon, so “mastic resin” or “mastic gum” may be clearer in general writing.
nounMastics are separate pieces or quantities of mastic, an aromatic resin obtained from the leaves and branches of the mastic tree and traditionally used in varnishes, medicines, and confectionery. The plural may also refer to several trees of the species Pistacia lentiscus.
- Pieces or quantities of the aromatic resin obtained from the mastic tree.
- Several trees of the species Pistacia lentiscus.
"The craftsman blended the fragrant mastics into a clear varnish."
"The warm resin released a sweet scent as the mastics softened in the pan."
"Rows of mastics grow along the hillside, their evergreen leaves catching the Mediterranean sun."
The plural is used for individual pieces of resin, quantities of resin, or several mastic trees; the mass noun “mastic” is also standard when referring to the substance generally.
"The pharmacist ground the bitter mastics into a fine powder."
Mastic resin was once valued as both a fragrant preservative and a medicine, and it is still central to the distinctive flavour of Greek mastiha sweets.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mastics come from?
The word comes through French and Medieval Latin from Ancient Greek mastichē, meaning a fragrant resin or gum, ultimately associated with the idea of chewing or using it to strengthen the gums. The related Greek verb mastichan and Latin masticare also refer to chewing, explaining the modern English verb masticate and its derivatives. English initially used the name for the resin and later for the tree that produces it.
Related word forms
How mastics is actually used
As a countable noun, mastic is commonly encountered in the plural, particularly when referring to pieces of resin or multiple trees. The word is more familiar in specialist contexts and traditional trade names than in everyday speech.
Easily confused with mastics
Mastic refers to aromatic tree resin or the tree that produces it, whereas a mastiff is a large dog.