Mastic

mastic, resin obtained from the small mastic tree Pistacia lentiscus (of the sumac family), found chiefly in Mediterranean countries. When the bark of the tree is injured, the resin exudes in drops. It is transparent and pale yellow to green in color. Mastic is used chiefly in making varnish but is also used medicinally as an astringent and, with aniseed, to flavor a distilled liquor called mastic. The term mastic is also applied to certain caulking and adhesive compounds, especially those consisting of a mineral filler, a resinous binder (e.g., asphalt), and a volatile solvent.

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mastic

1. an aromatic resin obtained from the mastic tree and used as an astringent and to make varnishes and lacquers

2. mastic tree

a. a small Mediterranean anacardiaceous evergreen tree, Pistacia lentiscus, that yields the resin mastic

b. any of various similar trees, such as the pepper tree

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mastic [′mas·tik]

(materials)

A glasslike, brittle, yellow to greenish yellow resinous exudation of the mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus); used in medicine, condiments, adhesive, incense, and lacquer. Also known as mastiche; mastix; pistachia galls.

Mixture of finely powdered rock and asphaltic material used for highway construction.

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mastic

1. Any heavy-bodied, dough-like adhesive compound.

2. A sealant with putty-like properties.

3. A protective coating applied by trowel or spray on the surface of thermal insulation to prevent its deterioration and to weatherproof it.

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Mastic 

(also mastic gum), a resin obtained by tapping the trunk of the mastic tree. In its hardened state it is in the form of yellowish droplets; it is very aromatic. Mastic contains essential oils (2-3 percent), resin acids (approximately 42 percent), masticic bitters (5 percent), and carbohydrate resenes (approximately 50 percent). Mastic is antiseptic owing to the presence of resin acids. It is used in the manufacture of varnishes, as a mouthwash, and as a binder in the preparation of pills and plasters.