English Reference

Word

resin

US/ˈɹɛzən/

UK/ɹˈɛzɪn/

Definitions

01natural tree sap

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Science

n. a thick, sticky liquid that comes out of some trees, especially pine trees, and becomes hard over time.

n. a viscous hydrocarbon secretion of many plants, particularly coniferous trees, which hardens upon exposure to air.

“The pine tree was covered in sticky resin where a branch had broken off.”

“Amber is actually fossilised resin that flowed from ancient trees millions of years ago, often trapping insects inside.”

Usage

Often used uncountably when referring to the substance generally.

Synonyms

sapgumexudate

02synthetic material

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Technology Technical

n. a man-made substance used to create plastics, glues, and strong coatings.

n. any of various solid or semi-solid organic compounds, typically manufactured through polymerisation, used as a basis for plastics and adhesives.

“She used a clear resin to coat the wooden table and give it a shiny finish.”

“The manufacturer switched to a high-performance epoxy resin to ensure the carbon-fibre components would withstand extreme thermal stress.”

Usage

Commonly used in industrial and artistic contexts.

03to apply resin

C2 · Proficiency Technical

v. to put resin on something, often to make it less slippery or to protect it.

v. to treat or coat a surface with resin. Transitive — requires a direct object.

“The violin player needed to resin her bow before the concert started.”

“The technician carefully resined the electrical components to insulate them against moisture and vibration.”

Usage

Usually appears in specific craft or musical contexts.

Synonyms

Real-World Examples

“As it contacts the air, the resin darkens and congeals.”
Encyclopedia.com 2 Oct 2026
“The hull’s material attracted the most attention - it was made from layers of carbon fibre mixed with resin .”
BBC News 28 Sept 2024
“His teeth, shirt collar, tie, pen, and pencil are fast-cast resin and his eyes are plastic.” It sold for an eye-popping £50,400.”
The Guardian 24 Sept 2026

Etymology

From Middle English resyn, resyne, from Old French résine, from Latin resīna. Doublet of rosin.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Frequency
Frequent
Level
C1 · Advanced
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/resin

English Reference