mastic

noun

mas·​tic ˈma-stik 

1

: an aromatic resinous exudate from mastic trees used chiefly in varnishes

2

: any of various pasty materials used as protective coatings or cements

Examples of mastic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Its formulation contains marine actives, which firm the skin while protecting it from UV light and free radicals; mastic, which smooths the skin and refines the appearance of pores; and hydrolyzed algae, which keeps excess oil at bay. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 12 July 2024

Lavender, myrtle, rosemary, and mastic keep the insects happy. —Lydia Bell, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 May 2024

Tea service is also available, and tableside dessert carts will serve ice cream with Turkish mastic and Halva cheesecake. —Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 21 May 2024

Install them with much less hassle than conventional subway tile—no mastic or grout required. —Sarah Halverson, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Jan. 2024

This cement tile requires zero grouting and is held in place with mastic. —Marisa Spyker, Southern Living, 18 Dec. 2023

Alessandro’s uncle had a studio restoring antique furniture tucked in the gardens of Via Margutta, and there Alessandro would smell the glue and mastic and dream of the past lives of tables and armchairs. —Chiara Barzini, Vogue, 28 Nov. 2023

Its list of nourishing ingredients includes beta glucan (which helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles), hibiscus (which protects against free-radical damage), and mastic (which helps to mattify and refine skin throughout the day). —Talia Ergas, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2023

It's also flavored with cinnamon; mastiha, or mastic, which comes from mastic trees found on the Greek island of Chios; and ground mahlepi, made from the kernels of cherry pits. —Joanne Kempinger Demski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 29 Dec. 2021

Word History

Etymology

Middle English mastik, from Latin mastiche, from Greek mastichē, probably back-formation from mastichan

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing mastic

• mastic tree

Kids Definition

mastic

noun

mas·​tic ˈmas-tik 

: a yellow or greenish substance that oozes from cuts in the bark of a southern European tree and is used in varnish

Medical Definition

mastic

noun

mas·​tic ˈmas-tik 

: an aromatic resinous exudation obtained usually in the form of yellowish to greenish lustrous transparent brittle tears from incisions in a small southern European tree (Pistacia lentiscus) of the sumac family and used chiefly in varnishes (as for lining dental cavities)