ˈmastik, -aas-, -tēk noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English mastik, from Latin mastiche, from Greek mastichē; from its use as chewing gum; akin to Greek mastichan to gnash the teeth
1. also mas·tich “ or mas·ti·che -təˌkē : an aromatic resinous exudation obtained usually in the form of yellowish to greenish lustrous transparent brittle tears from incisions in mastic trees and used chiefly in varnishes (as for protecting oil paintings and water colors)
2. : mastic tree
3. : any of various pasty materials used as protective coatings (as for thermal insulation or waterproofing) or as cements (as for setting tile or glass): as
a. : asphalt mastic
b. : a composition of mineral matter bound by a resinous medium in a volatile solvent
4. : an alcoholic liquor flavored with resin mastic and aniseed
5. : a light olive brown that is lighter, stronger, and slightly redder than drab or sponge and redder and paler than average mustard tan