rosin

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noun ros·in \ˈrä-z^ən, ˈrȯ-, dialectal ˈrȯ-zəm\

Definition of rosin

: a translucent amber-colored to almost black brittle friable resin that is obtained from the oleoresin or deadwood of pine trees or from tall oil and used especially in making varnish

See rosin defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of rosin from the Web

Bauer went to the rosin bag to try and get a better grip on the ball.

— paul hoynes, cleveland.com, "Sunday's shower brings another Cleveland Indians' shutout and an early return for Trevor Bauer", 5 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rosin'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of rosin

Middle English, from Anglo-French reisine, rosine resin

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First Known Use: 13th century

See Words from the same year

rosin

verb ros·in

Definition of rosin

rosined

;

rosining

play \ˈräz-niŋ, ˈrȯz-; ˈrä-z^ən-iŋ, ˈrȯ-\

transitive verb
: to rub or treat (something, such as the bow of a violin) with rosin

First Known Use of rosin

14th century

ROSIN Defined for English Language Learners

rosin

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noun

Definition of rosin for English Language Learners

: a hard and slightly sticky substance that has various uses (such as to make the bows of violins and similar instruments move more easily across the strings)

ROSIN Defined for Kids

rosin

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noun ros·in \ˈrä-z^ən\

Definition of rosin for Students

: a hard brittle yellow to dark red substance obtained especially from pine trees and used in varnishes and on violin bows

Medical Dictionary

rosin

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noun ros·in \ˈräz-^ən, ˈrȯz-\

Medical Definition of rosin

: a translucent amber-colored to almost black brittle friable resin that is obtained from the oleoresin or deadwood of pine trees or from tall oil and is used in pharmacology as an adhesive constituent in plasters, cerates, and ointments—called also colophony