resin

1 of 2

noun

res·​in ˈre-zᵊn How to pronounce resin (audio)
1
a
: any of various solid or semisolid amorphous fusible flammable natural organic substances that are usually transparent or translucent and yellowish to brown, are formed especially in plant secretions, are soluble in organic solvents (such as ether) but not in water, are electrical nonconductors, and are used chiefly in varnishes, printing inks, plastics, and sizes and in medicine
b
: rosin
2
a
: any of a large class of synthetic products that have some of the physical properties of natural resins but are different chemically and are used chiefly in plastics
b
: any of various products made from a natural resin or a natural polymer
resinous
ˈre-zᵊn-əs How to pronounce resin (audio)
ˈrez-nəs
adjective

resin

2 of 2

verb

resined; resining ˈre-zᵊn-iŋ How to pronounce resin (audio)
ˈrez-niŋ

transitive verb

: to treat with resin

Examples of resin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Meanwhile, across the loft space, honoree Gaetano Pesce’s workshop team worked hastily with colored resin to create a one-of-a-kind large-scale lamp, transfixing all in attendance. Zachary Schwartz, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2023 The first casks were seasoned with an experimental spirit made by WhistlePig using whey and rye that was infused with Boswellia and Commiphora resin, otherwise known as frankincense and myrrh. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2023 The brand — once scorned as the convenient but ugly duckling of the footwear world — is also enjoying endorsements from celebrities and high-profile fashion houses; even fashion bible Vogue has attempted to advise on how to wear the resin shoes. Byeleanor Pringle, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2023 They are made out of strands of glass held in resin. Meg Carney, Field & Stream, 27 Sep. 2023 Each wooden ornament is handmade and covered in resin and real sand from the beaches of California, where the artist lives and works, that resembles a shoreline motif with seemingly moving tides. L. Daniela Alvarez, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Sep. 2023 Incorporating both is a cheeky, feminist parody of a ceremonial rite involving a cast resin sculpture of a squash. Carolina A. Miranda, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2023 The bathroom includes an amber-colored resin tub and a chunky marble island that incorporates a double-sink vanity, free-standing mirrors, and a dressing table. Mark David, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 2023 This pick by Melrose International comes with 12 resin ball ornaments in three different designs. Addie Morton, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Nov. 2023
Verb
Next, consider the best shed material—options range from steel to resin to wood—for your home's climate. Adrienne Jordan, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Oct. 2021 Not resin, not pine tar, not sunscreen, just Lena Blackburne Baseball Rubbing Mud is permitted. Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes, 24 June 2021 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'resin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French reisine, from Latin resina; akin to Greek rhētinē pine resin

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1865, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of resin was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near resin

Cite this Entry

“Resin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resin. Accessed 7 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

resin

noun
res·​in
ˈrez-ᵊn
1
: any of various yellowish or brownish substances (as rosin) that are obtained from the gum or sap of some trees (as the pine) and are used in varnishes and plastics and in medicine
2
: any of various manufactured products that are similar to natural resins in properties and are used chiefly in plastics
resinous
ˈrez-nəs
-ᵊn-əs
adjective

Medical Definition

resin

noun
res·​in ˈrez-ᵊn How to pronounce resin (audio)
1
a
: any of various solid or semisolid amorphous fusible flammable natural organic substances that are usually transparent or translucent and yellowish to brown, are formed especially in plant secretions, are soluble in organic solvents (as ether) but not in water, and are electrical nonconductors
b
: rosin
c
: a solid pharmaceutical preparation consisting chiefly of the resinous principles of a drug or drugs usually extracted by solvents
resin of jalap
2
a
: any of a large class of synthetic products that have some of the physical properties of natural resins but are different chemically and are used chiefly in plastics
b
: any of various products made from a natural resin or a natural polymer

More from Merriam-Webster on resin

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