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Glite Dictionary
elemi

elemi

9.9
A scented sticky substance from tropical trees used in incense, varnish, and perfume
  • noun
  • /ˈɛlɪmi/
  • Specialized
translation icon : elemi
  • Crafters often choose elemi resin for its rich aroma in varnishes and perfumes.

Examples

  • The coriander and pepper gather themselves first, and then a beautifully sun-dappled amber bathes the olfactory tree in warmth while the elemi and benzoin add a resinous depth.

    Blog text (16)

  • He then traveled to Campechy and Vera Cruz to look for jalap, sarsaparilla, contrayerva, cochineal, gum elemi, and any other useful plants to add to his collection.

    Academic text (2009)

  • M. Vasnier uses a mix of pungent coriander amplified with black pepper and made exotic with elemi.

    Blog text (16)

  • The perfumer added elemi to the scent to give it a warm, spicy note.

  • In ancient rituals, elemi was used as incense to create a fragrant atmosphere.

Synonyms

gum elemi
vselemi
  • Specialized
9.9

A fragrant resin from trees used in incense, varnish, and perfume

is narrower, referring especially to resin from Canarium trees
anime
vselemi
  • Archaic
9.9

A natural sticky resin from tropical trees used to make varnish

is fragrant and used for incense and perfumes rather than lacquer work

Compounds

gum elemi
  • Specialized
9.9

A fragrant resin from trees used in incense, varnish, and perfume

Surface Forms

elemi singular
elemis plural

Etymology

The word elemi probably comes from an old foreign name for the sticky tree sap that sea traders brought to Europe and then into Spanish and English. That's why elemi still means the fragrant 'resin' used in incense, varnish, and perfume.