¹resin

noun res·in \ˈre-z^ən\

: a yellow or brown sticky substance that comes from some trees and that is used to make various products

: an artificial substance that is similar to natural resins and that is used to make plastics

Full Definition of RESIN

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, are electrical nonconductors, and are used chiefly in varnishes, printing inks, plastics, and sizes and in medicine

b : rosin

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

— res·in·ous \ˈre-z^ən-əs, ˈrez-nəs\ adjective

See resin defined for English-language learners

See resin defined for kids

Origin of RESIN

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

First Known Use: 14th century

²resin

verb

res·inedres·in·ing \ˈre-z^ən-iŋ, ˈrez-niŋ\

Definition of RESIN

transitive verb

: to treat with resin

First Known Use of RESIN

1865

Other Chemical Engineering Terms

alkali, cation, decant, hygroscopic, isotope, oxidize, slurry, solute, viscous

RESINOUS Defined for Kids

resin

noun res·in \ˈre-z^ən\

Definition of RESIN for Kids

: a yellowish or brownish substance obtained from the gum or sap of some trees (as the pine) and used in varnishes and medicine

: any of various manufactured products that are similar to natural resins in properties and are used especially as plastics

Medical Dictionary

resin

noun res·in \ˈrez-^ən\

Medical Definition of RESIN

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>

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