What does terebinth mean?
Terebinth names a small deciduous tree or shrub of the Mediterranean region, usually identified as Pistacia terebinthus. In older and botanical contexts, the word can also denote the aromatic resin or gum obtained from the tree. The plant belongs to the same family as pistachios, cashews, and poison ivy, and has a long history as a source of fragrant resin and medicinal material. Modern speakers most often encounter the word in literary, biblical, botanical, or historical writing rather than everyday speech. It should not be confused with turpentine: although the substances share an ancient name and history, modern turpentine usually denotes resin obtained from conifers or the volatile solvent distilled from it. A terebinth is the entire tree, while terebinth resin is one of its products. The term is useful for recognizing discussions of Mediterranean vegetation, classical and biblical texts, and the history of medicine and perfumery.
nounA terebinth is a small deciduous tree or shrub of the Mediterranean region, scientifically known as Pistacia terebinthus. The word can also denote the aromatic resin or gum obtained from the tree.
- The Mediterranean tree or shrub Pistacia terebinthus.
- The aromatic resin or gum obtained from the terebinth tree.
"A terebinth stood beside the old stone wall, its branches casting delicate shade."
"The resin gathered from the terebinth was traded by Mediterranean merchants."
"Reference works often identify the terebinth as Pistacia terebinthus, a close relative of the pistachio."
The plural is used when referring to multiple terebinth trees or shrubs.
"Several terebinths grew along the dry hillside."
The terebinth and pistachio are close relatives: one yields resin, the other yields a snack.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does terebinth come from?
The English word entered Middle English through Old French térébinthe, from Latin terebinthus. Latin borrowed the term from Greek terebinthos, the name of the Mediterranean tree and its resin. The same source also underlies the English word turpentine and related forms in several European languages.
Related word forms
How terebinth is actually used
The word is chiefly literary, botanical, biblical, or historical rather than part of everyday modern speech. In medicinal and historical contexts, it may refer specifically to the tree's resin.
Easily confused with terebinth
A terebinth is the tree that produces terebinth resin, whereas turpentine now usually refers to resin from conifers or the volatile solvent distilled from it.