# resin

/ˈɹɛzən/ (US) · /ɹˈɛzɪn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/resin
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. natural tree sap

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. synthetic material

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. to apply resin

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The pine tree leaks sticky resin from its bark.
- Artists often use clear synthetic resin to preserve delicate objects inside a solid block.
- Amber is actually fossilised tree resin that has hardened over millions of years, often trapping prehistoric insects within its translucent structure.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.