propolis

noun

prop·​o·​lis ˈprä-pə-ləs How to pronounce propolis (audio)
: a brownish resinous material of waxy consistency collected by bees from the buds of trees and used as a cement in repairing and maintaining the hive

Examples of propolis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Pure propolis and honey extracts, paired with hyaluronic acid, give this mask its soothing effects. Meg Donohue, Town & Country, 26 Jan. 2023 Bees have to invest effort in hunting down the resins that make up propolis, which like nectar is foraged from plants. Sarah Zhang, Discover Magazine, 2 Apr. 2012 Ancient Greek civilizations used propolis to heal scars, Egyptians relied on it to kill infections, and WWII soldiers used it to heal battle wounds. Dallas News, 18 July 2022 Relatively small human trials have suggested that standardized doses of propolis are safe and could help alleviate ailments like diabetes, respiratory tract infections, asthma and chronic kidney disease. Molly Glick, Discover Magazine, 17 Sep. 2021 Somi reaches for its Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner post-cleanse—a skin-soothing agent infused with both propolis and honey extract. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 13 July 2022 There’s the Glow Serum which pairs propolis extract, niacinamide, and beta hydroxy acids to control sebum production and quell inflammation. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 13 July 2022 There’s the Glow Serum which pairs propolis extract, niacinamide, and BHA to control sebum production and quell inflammation. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 5 July 2022 Known for their throat spray, which contains propolis, the company has branched out to a carry a variety of new products — some for immune support and sinus/cough relief and others that feature the best of honey. Esha Chhabra, Forbes, 29 June 2022

Word History

Etymology

Middle English propoleos, from Medieval Latin, alteration of Latin propolis, from Greek, from pro- for + polis city — more at pro-, police entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of propolis was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near propolis

Cite this Entry

“Propolis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/propolis. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on propolis

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!