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Glite Dictionary
gum elemi

gum elemi

9.9
A fragrant resin from trees used in incense, varnish, and perfume
  • noun
  • /ɡʌm ˈɛlɪmi/
  • Specialized
translation icon : goma elemi
  • Traditional incense blends often include gum elemi for its fresh, citrusy fragrance.

Examples

  • Harvesters collect gum elemi by making incisions in the bark of Burseraceae trees.

  • The artist used gum elemi to give a glossy finish to his oil paintings.

  • The gum elemi has a sweet, citrusy aroma.

  • Many artisans use gum elemi in their varnishes.

  • Harvesters collect gum elemi by making incisions in the bark of Burseraceae trees.

  • Traditional incense blends often include gum elemi for its fresh, citrusy fragrance.

  • The artist used gum elemi to give a glossy finish to his oil paintings.

Synonyms

elemi
vsgum elemi
  • Specialized
9.9

A scented sticky substance from tropical trees used in incense, varnish, and perfume

is from trees in the Burseraceae family rather than specifically Canarium

Surface Forms

gum elemi singular
gum elemis plural

Morphology

gum + elemi

Both constituents denote resinous substance types — 'gum' (resin/sap) and 'elemi' (a fragrant resin) — so a learner who knows these meanings can straightforwardly infer that 'gum elemi' refers to the resinous substance elemi. The composition is literal and predictable (a type/kind relation common cross-linguistically), making the expression immediately comprehensible to someone familiar with the parts.

Etymology

Gum elemi names the sticky resin people collect from certain trees. The word gum shows it is like sticky 'sap', and elemi was a name old traders used for this fragrant resin. Harvesters cut the bark and the sap hardens into a fresh, citrus-smelling lump, so gum elemi today means this fragrant resin used in incense and varnish.