sandarac

noun

san·​da·​rac ˈsan-də-ˌrak How to pronounce sandarac (audio)
: a brittle faintly aromatic translucent resin obtained from a northern African tree (Tetraclinis articulata) of the cypress family and used chiefly in making varnish and as incense
also : a similar resin obtained from any of several Australian trees (genus Callitris) of the same family

Word History

Etymology

Latin sandaraca red coloring, from Greek sandarakē realgar, red pigment from realgar

First Known Use

1543, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sandarac was in 1543

Dictionary Entries Near sandarac

Cite this Entry

“Sandarac.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sandarac. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

sandarac

noun
san·​da·​rac ˈsan-də-ˌrak How to pronounce sandarac (audio)
: a brittle aromatic translucent resin obtained from a large northern African tree (Callitris articulata) of the cypress family (Cupressaceae) and used chiefly in making varnish and as incense
also : a similar resin obtained from any of several related Australian trees

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